(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, September 21, 2021 – Today Crystal announced that it will extend its vaccination requirement for all age-eligible guests (currently 12 and older) and all crew through 2022 for ocean ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony and luxury expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor. All age-eligible guests (currently 12 and older) and all crew must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine (with both doses, if recommended by manufacturer) at least 14-days prior to their embarkation date. Crystal continues to be a leader in its response to COVID-19 with protocols based on the latest data and recommendations by health experts as the company was the first major cruise line to require a COVID-19 vaccine for both guests and crew in 2021 and now the first through 2022. “Protecting the health and safety of our guests and crew is paramount to everything we do and extending our vaccination requirements through 2022 is the next important step to continue to safeguard the health and wellness of our Crystal Family,” said Jack Anderson, president of Crystal. “Our guests have overwhelmingly told us that vaccinations are critical for them to feel comfortable traveling and announcing this extension now will give them the information and reassurance they require as they look to plan future voyages with us.” Guests will need to provide documented proof of vaccination at the time of check-in before boarding the ship. Children 11 and under who are not currently eligible for vaccination must be pre-approved after initial waitlist, are subject to capacity control, and must provide proof of valid travel insurance. Guests traveling with unvaccinated children will be subject to unvaccinated protocols when with their children. Once vaccines are approved for age-eligible children, Crystal will require they be fully vaccinated. All officers and crew across the Crystal fleet are fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to service as a requirement of their employment. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, September 20, 2021 – Today Crystal River Cruises announced that it will extend its vaccination requirement for all guests and crew through December 2022. The line’s updated Crystal Clean+ health and safety protocols will continue to require all guests and crew to be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine (with both doses, if recommended by manufacturer) at least 14-days prior to their embarkation date. Guests will need to provide documented proof of vaccination at the time of check-in before boarding the ship. The vaccination requirement allows guests the freedom to explore ashore independently and facilitates smooth, hassle-free travel across multi-country itineraries. “The health and safety of our guests and crew is paramount to everything we do at Crystal River Cruises, and as such, we will require full vaccination through 2022 so that our guests can continue to explore the world in great comfort and safety,” said Walter Littlejohn, Crystal River Cruises’ senior vice president and managing director. “After months of planning and preparation we welcomed guests back on board in late August and the feedback has been wonderful. Extending the vaccination requirement provides our guests with the health and safety information and assurances they need to plan future travels.” (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, September 20, 2021 – With Carnival Dream and Carnival Glory resuming guest operations on Sept. 19, Carnival Cruise Line now has 11 ships – representing half of its U.S. fleet – sailing again. Beginning with its return to guest operations on July 3 with Carnival Vista, the line is operating from seven U.S. homeports including Miami, Galveston, Seattle, Port Canaveral, Long Beach, Baltimore and New Orleans, providing guests with a wide range of options to get Back to Fun. “Having half of our U.S. fleet back in operations provides positive economic impact in our homeports and port of call destinations, along with giving our guests their much-needed vacations and helping our crew support their families back home,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We couldn’t have accomplished this without the support of our travel advisor partners, business partners and port and destinations partners.” Carnival Dream became the third Carnival ship to operate year-round from Galveston when it departed this weekend on a six-day Caribbean cruise, while Carnival Glory is the first ship to set sail from the Port of New Orleans, operating a seven-day voyage to The Bahamas. With 11 ships already in guest operations, including the introduction of Carnival’s newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, additional vessels will resume service throughout the fall and into early 2022 as the line’s successful restart of operations continues. 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)_NEW ORLEANS (Sept. 19, 2021) – Carnival Glory is set to depart on a seven-day cruise from the Port of New Orleans this afternoon marking the first sailing from the city since the industry-wide pause in operations 18 months ago. Carnival Glory’s voyage from the Erato Street Cruise Terminal includes visits to three popular Bahamian destinations: Bimini, Freeport and Nassau. To commemorate the occasion, a “Back to Fun” event was held in the terminal during which Carnival’s Vice President of Guest Operations Sarah Beth Reno, Carnival Glory Captain Nicola Iaccarino and Port of New Orleans President and CEO Brandy D. Christian cut the ceremonial ribbon and officially welcomed the first guests on board. “Carnival Cruise Line has been a part of the New Orleans community for more than 25 years and we’re absolutely thrilled to provide our guests an opportunity to get Back to Fun, while supporting the local economy in one of our most popular homeports,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Carnival is the number one cruise operator from New Orleans with the greatest variety of cruise choices and itineraries and we are so happy to bring our unique brand of fun back to this fantastic city.” (PRESS RELEASE)_HOLLYWOOD, Florida (September 17, 2021) — The U.S. Virgin Islands credits its ability to survive and thrive during the worldwide COVID-19 crisis to synergistic public-private partnerships. Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the USVI Department of Tourism, and Wayne Biggs, CEO of the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority, led a delegation representing the Territory at the Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS), which was held last month in Hollywood, Florida. During a panel discussion on public-private collaboration, Commissioner Boschulte recognized the importance of working together with other government entities such as the Department of Health, as well as business owners and employees alike, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, to ensure that protocols and policies are understood and enforceable. “A big part of our success has been our relationship, led by our governor Albert Bryan Jr., with our private sector people,” the Commissioner stated. “As government, we can set protocols. However, it's not only the government's responsibility to enforce the protocols; it's the business owners, the hotel owners, the managers, the restaurant and bar managers’ job — to keep the entire economy humming.” (PRESS RELEASE)_SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Australia’s award-winning adventure cruise company, Aurora Expeditions, has launched its expanded 2022-23 Season Brochure for its Arctic, Antarctica and Global program. Aurora Expeditions’ season of voyages features 16 new and innovative itineraries and several returning favorites, while Aurora’s new state of the art ship, the Sylvia Earle, is also making its debut as part of the 2022-23 season. The new brochure additionally provides a first look at the company’s newly expanded Citizen Science Program. “Aurora Expeditions’ 2022-23 season is sure to provide the captivating and perspective altering experiences that our guests continue to return for,” commented Monique Ponfoort, CEO of Aurora Expeditions. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, September 16, 2021 – Today Crystal Cruises announced its highly anticipated 2024 World Cruise, a 105-night epic adventure aboard Crystal Serenity exploring the Southern Hemisphere and beyond from Miami to Rome, January 5 – April 20, 2024. ‘Celebrated Cultures & Treasured Temples’ marks Crystal’s 27th World Cruise and features a near circumnavigation of the globe with 49 ports of call in 22 countries and destinations including the Panama Canal; Mexico; French Polynesia; the South Pacific; New Zealand; Australia; Indonesia; Sri Lanka; India; the Red Sea, the Suez Canal; and the Mediterranean isles of Cyprus, Crete and Sicily. Guests who were booked on Crystal’s canceled 2022 World Cruise will enjoy an exclusive booking window from September 21 – 30, 2021, and opens for reservations to the public on October 1, 2021. Guests will benefit from 2-for-1 fares including Book Now Savings of up to $17,250 per guest. “We know our guests will love this new ocean odyssey as it captures just the right mix of luxury, adventure and discovery from the idyllic isles of French Polynesia to the fjords and wine regions of New Zealand to ancient cultures and desert adventures of the Red Sea,” said Jack Anderson, president of Crystal. “The 2024 World Cruise also includes a generous number of days at sea which our guests love and dare I say demand. Sea days are an open invitation to luxuriate in Crystal’s unmatched service, unwind in the spa, lean into relaxation, and enjoy intriguing lectures, incredible dining and glorious, uninterrupted ocean views with no agenda except la dolce vita.” (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, FL, September 17, 2021 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line set an all-time single day booking record that surpassed the most recent record by nearly 60%. While the most recent record was for a full season of sailings across six ships, this record was driven by the introduction of one new ship with itineraries for primarily one half of a year. Vista is slated to debut in April 2023, voyages opened for sale on September 15th at 9:00 a.m. eastern and by 10:30 a.m., the number of bookings had surpassed the company’s most recent record which was set in March 2021. "The tremendous wave of bookings we saw on the day we opened sales for Vista underscores the extraordinary demand for our acclaimed small ship, destination focused vacations,” stated Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises. On September 15, 2021 Oceania Cruises opened the inaugural season itineraries of its newest ship, Vista for sale to the general public. A total of 18 voyages spanning from April 2023 through November 2023 went on sale. Itineraries range from 10- to 24-days in length with fares from $5,299 per guest to $32,199 per guest. Accommodations on the designer-inspired upper premium ship range from 270 square feet for the newly introduced solo staterooms to more than 2,400 square feet for the palatial Owner’s Suites which run the full width of the ship. “We are seeing exceptional demand from both our loyal Oceania Club repeaters and new-to-brand guests who are attracted to Vista’s new restaurants and culinary concepts, residentially styled staterooms and suites, and unique itineraries that present the destinations from a new perspective," stated Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises. All of the bookings for 2023 are new cash bookings with absolutely no dilution from Future Cruise Credits issued for cancelled cruises in 2020 or 2021. Virtually all of the top-tier Owner’s, Oceania, and Vista suites along with the newly introduced solo concierge veranda staterooms are sold out for the inaugural season. Nearly half of the available inventory of Vista’s inaugural season was sold in one day with 30% of all bookings coming from new to brand guests. The most in-demand destinations were the British Isles and Canada, the Mediterranean, Holy Lands, and Panama Canal. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (16 September 2021) – Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry’s leading annual business-to-business event, announces its highly anticipated 2021 State of the Global Industry Keynote lineup, presented in partnership with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Celebrating its 35th anniversary edition with dynamic dialogue surrounding the future of sustainable tourism, the kickoff event moderated by CNBC’s Global Markets Reporter Seema Mody, will host an exclusive round-table discussion joining senior leadership representing the world’s three largest cruise lines. Panelist will include:
“It’s incredibly exciting to bring industry leaders together once again for our State of the Global Industry Keynote. We’ve thoughtfully curated this year’s preeminent event to help our community reflect on current challenges and prepare for the journey ahead,” says Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand and Event Director for Seatrade Cruise. “With this in mind, we also collaborated with CLIA and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) to develop event protocols that align with those in the industry ensuring an optimal attendee experience while protecting the health and safety of our guests, participants and the public.” The State of the Global Industry Keynote will take place from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 28 September 2021, highlighting a number of current topics impacting the future of cruising such as operation challenges, guest protocols and safety enhancements. Industry heavyweights will also address charting the way forward for environmental innovations, fostering community partnerships and give an update on the 2022-2023 demand and consumer trends. “After all that we’ve been through – your participation is a testament to the resilience and the promise of our industry,” said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO, Cruise Lines International Association. “The road to recovery will require us to continue to work as one, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity for all of us to come together either in-person, or through the virtual option to address the ‘future of cruising’ as we gather at Seatrade Cruise Global.” Guided by Informa AllSecure standards, Seatrade Cruise Global continuously works to promote a hygienic, productive and high-quality organised event experience. Furthering its commitment to safety, Seatrade also convened closely with CLIA, FCCA and major cruise lines to align all policies and guidelines for the event with those of the industry. This includes physical distancing, use of PPE, temperature screening and on-site testing. As part of its enhanced policies, the Miami Beach Convention Center developed and implemented new plans and received GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation. Protocols will continue to adhere to all city and state regulations, and more details can be found under the event safety page. To learn more about Seatrade Cruise Global 2021 and for the latest event details and soon to be announced conference programming, visit seatradecruiseglobal.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., Sept. 16, 2021 – Atlas Ocean Voyages announced today that the luxe-adventure cruise brand will proceed with the inaugural Antarctica season for its first all-inclusive, luxury expedition ship, World Navigator. From Nov. 2021 through Mar. 2022, World Navigator will sail nine- and 12-night Antarctica expeditions, departing round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina. World Navigator guests will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Southern Continent and witness penguins, seals, walruses, whales and large sea birds and awe at the unspoiled landscape and towering icebergs. Innovating Antarctica expeditions, Atlas has chartered its own private jet to bring guests directly to Ushuaia to embark the ship. As part of its All Inclusive All the Way commitment, Atlas’ complimentary private charter jet service shortens the travel time it takes for guests to reach and return from Ushuaia and avoids overnights and extended layovers in an international airport, which are common with commercial flights. As required by the Argentinian authorities, all guests and crew are vaccinated on Atlas’ Antarctica expeditions. For more information about World Navigator’s inaugural Antarctica season, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. “We are happy to proceed with World Navigator’s inaugural Antarctica season as planned,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “As the first cruise line to offer private charter jet service, Atlas is establishing a safety bubble in the U.S. and safely flying guests directly to World Navigator in Ushuaia. The benefits of our private charter jet service combined with our proven safety and hygiene protocols were instrumental in clearing our operations from Ushuaia. This innovation is part of Atlas’ All Inclusive All the Way, in which we take care of the details and make it more convenient, seamless and safe for our guests.” |
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