(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Oct. 24, 2019) – Carnival Cruise Line will increase its presence in Alaska, deploying Carnival Freedom from Seattle beginning in April 2021, operating Carnival’s popular week-long Glacier Route voyages, and joining Carnival Miracle which will operate 10- and 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco beginning in May 2021. “Alaska is a ‘bucket list’ destination that offers a unique combination of fascinating wildlife and unique cultural and sightseeing opportunities. We’re delighted to provide our guests with even more opportunities to Choose Fun as they experience and explore the beauty and majesty of Alaska,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival Freedom’s Week-Long Alaska Voyages from Seattle Carnival Freedom will operate 21 Alaska cruises from the Port of Seattle April 27 to Sept. 22, 2021, departing every Tuesday. Port calls on the week-long Glacier Route voyages include Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as Victoria, B.C., and scenic cruising of Tracy Arm Fjord. There’s also an eight-day cruise featuring Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Victoria and cruising Tracy Arm Fjord. Carnival Freedom offers a wide range of onboard amenities, including dining venues ranging from casual choices like Bonsai Sushi Express and Guy’s Burger Joint developed in partnership with Food Network star Guy Fieri to an elegant reservations-only steakhouse, along with a luxurious spa and a spectacular WaterWorks aqua park. Hundreds of balcony staterooms and suites -- perfect for watching the passing scenery -- are available as well. Prior to its Alaska program, Carnival Freedom will operate a 17-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal cruise from Galveston to Seattle April 10-27, 2021, with stops in Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico. Following its summer in Alaska, Carnival Freedom will reposition from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale with a 17-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal sailing Sept. 22-Oct. 9, 2021, calling in Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico before launching a winter schedule of six- and eight-day eastern and southern Caribbean cruises beginning Oct. 9, 2021. Carnival Miracle’s Two- to 16-Day Voyages from San Francisco and San Diego Carnival Miracle, which launches Carnival’s first-ever service from San Francisco in March 2020, will return to San Francisco in 2021 to operate a summer schedule of 10- and 11-day Alaska cruises that visit some of the region’s most beautiful and popular ports. Ten-day cruises call at Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point or Ketchikan, Victoria, and scenic cruising of Tracy Arm while the 11-day cruises include calls in both Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. The ship will also operate a series of 16-day Carnival Journeys Hawaii cruises. The program also includes unique four-day long weekend cruises to Ensenada. Carnival Miracle will also sail from San Diego in 2021-22 offering two- to six-day voyages visiting a variety of destinations in Mexico and Baja California, including Ensenada, Catalina Island, and Cabo San Lucas, as well as series of 15-day Carnival Journeys cruises to Hawaii. Carnival Miracle’s San Diego-based schedule runs from Oct. 3, 2021 to April 18, 2022. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Oct. 24, 2019 – Royal Caribbean International is setting an uncharted course for adventure with the cruise line’s newest ship, Odyssey of the Seas. The first Quantum Ultra Class ship to arrive in North America will tout a brand-new look to match the fleet’s most action-packed top deck to date, and a mix of record-holding hits and groundbreaking firsts for a game-changing cruise vacation. Odyssey’s dialed-up onboard adventures, two-level pool deck designed for downtime under the sun and stars, and a collection of restaurants primed to please every palate will all be set against some of the world’s most picturesque backdrops, including the vibrant islands of the Caribbean and idyllic coasts of the eastern Mediterranean.
Bold in every direction, Odyssey’s highlights include the ultimate SeaPlex activity space that delivers a dose of adrenaline with new thrills, a little friendly competition and the most interactive arcade at sea. Adding to the mix, Odyssey will debut a reimagined Adventure Ocean where young adventure seekers can choose their own immersive experiences across an entirely new layout, while a new maxed-out teen lounge with gaming consoles, music and movies will provide endless hangout options indoors and outdoors on an exclusive patio. When it’s time to refuel, guests can enjoy the new Teppanyaki restaurant serving Far East flavors, and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar with rustic Italian dishes and a contemporary flair. Entertainment across the ship will be punctuated by high-tech signature productions in the Royal Theater and Two70, where art and multimedia merge for surrounding, jaw-dropping performances only on Odyssey. “Odyssey of the Seas will set an all-new standard created to deliver the most memorable vacations by combining immersive experiences, the best of Royal Caribbean’s trendsetting innovations and the signature ‘Royal Way’ service of our dedicated crew members,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “This Quantum Ultra Class ship introduces a new way to see the world as she becomes our first purposefully built vessel for island hopping on both sides of the Atlantic.” (BAHAMAS PARADISE CRUISE LINE)_Starting today, travelers seeking an escape to paradise can set sail to Nassau starting at just $69 per person! In addition, guests that book the cruise line’s unique Cruise & Stay Package before November 6th will receive a $100 onboard credit – encouraging them to enjoy their extended stay in paradise at one of the cruise line’s partner resorts, including the all-inclusive Meliá Nassau Beach Resort at Cable Beach, SLS at Baha Mar and Comfort Suites on Paradise Island.
(PRESS RELEASE)_ MIAMI (Oct. 16, 2019) – Taking safety as seriously as it takes fun, Carnival Cruise Line is debuting an entertaining and creative new safety briefing video that outlines its onboard safety regulations. Produced with the important goals of getting and keeping guests’ attention and improving the knowledge of safety policies, it is being shown in all 34,000-plus staterooms throughout the fleet and captioned in English and Spanish, as well as in English with audio descriptions for visually impaired guests. With a distinctively Carnival approach, “Safety is Serious Fun” stars the line’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal, who appears in his nautical-themed “CFO office” and guides guests through the safety messages delivered by three Carnival crew members as they tour the ship and experience the dining, entertainment and recreation features that await the 5.2 million guests who annually sail with the world’s most popular cruise line. Shaq is joined by Entertainment Team members Estevan Velasco-Romero of Clovis, N.M.; Katelyn Stillman of Kilmarnock, Va.; and AJ Tabaldo of Santa Barbara, Calif., who encounter colleagues – and even a few towel animals – along the way, all working together to ensure that guests understand and follow safety policies. “Keeping our guests and crew safe is our number one priority. Carnival is known for having fun, so we’ve taken a different twist on the typical safety video to engage with our guests and capture their attention in an entertaining way while still remaining informative, clear and directive,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Who better to explain our safety procedures than our shipboard team members who work every day to keep our guests safe and happy – and, of course, our CFO Shaq, the best person to make safety serious fun.” “No one is as committed to fun as I am – after all, I am the Chief Fun Officer – but in order to take advantage of all of the great options onboard Carnival’s ships, we all must be safe,” said Shaquille O’Neal. “Our guests know they can count on me to show them how to have fun at sea, but I’m really excited because now I’m showing them how to stay safe as well – the two go hand in hand.” “Safety is Serious Fun” is now showing on all 26 ships in the Carnival fleet. (PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland (October 17, 2019) — MSC Cruises revealed today details of the two brand-new and original Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows coming exclusively to MSC Grandiosa. In COSMOS, Journey to the unbelievable, guests will experience a breathtaking voyage across the galaxy with a brave astronaut on a quest for self-discovery. Audiences of EXENTRICKS, Expect the unexpected, will be caught off guard at every turn in this high-spirited spectacle. Each Cirque du Soleil at Sea show is an original, never-before-seen production, and Cirque du Soleil is constantly pushing their creative boundaries, reinventing their processes, challenging the status quo and exploring new territories to create inspiring experiences to delight MSC Cruises guests. Andrea Gangale, Senior Vice President Product Development & Guest Experience, MSC Cruises said, “When we set out to work with Cirque du Soleil, our objective with this exclusive partnership was to take our onboard entertainment to yet another level and to deliver to our guests even more best-in-class entertainment. As the delivery of the third MSC Cruises ship featuring Cirque du Soleil at Sea approaches, each new show that we launch is ever more unique and original, giving our guests a breathtaking and memorable entertainment experience.” Yasmine Khalil, Chief Executive Producer Cirque du Soleil & President 45 DEGREES commented, “For each new MSC Meraviglia class ship, we aim to deliver new and innovative content which further enriches the Cirque du Soleil at Sea portfolio. With these two entirely new productions, COSMOS and EXENTRICKS, we debut a never-before-seen performance, the “Ginger Rope” while also bringing more interactivity and, for the first time, call on audience participation. These will certainly be two must-see shows, exclusively on MSC Grandiosa.” The new acrobatic performance ‘Ginger Rope’ in COSMOS sees three artists use a unique acrobatic apparatus developed specifically for the show. Aerialists will fly gracefully in orbit on the rotating stage on moving ropes embodying rings around the planets. Combining an exhilarating blend of flips and spins all around the Ginger Ropes, MSC Cruises guests will lift off into the fantastic world of COSMOS! For the first time for any Cirque du Soleil at Sea show, EXENTRICKS will put guests in the center of the show with audience participation playing a vital role in the story, bringing MSC Cruises guests closer to the artists than ever before. As they interact with these extravagant and fun characters, guests will enjoy edge-of-your-seat acrobatics. ABOUT THE TWO NEW SHOWS cOSMOS - Journey to the unbelievable: Reach for the stars alongside the young explorer as he connects with his spirit of adventure, traveling through the stars and his childhood memories before landing on the realization that sometimes you need to travel far to come home. The co-pilots on this fantastic voyage are a galaxy of illuminating characters who are every bit spaced-out and other-worldly as they are kind and friendly. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Fla. October 9, 2019 – Virgin Voyages, the new lifestyle brand set to disrupt the travel industry, today announced its exclusive on-demand champagne delivery service, Shake for Champagne. Continuing to create the most irresistible experiences at sea, Virgin Voyages is enabling Sailors to request champagne, anywhere on board Scarlet Lady, with a simple shake of their phone. Those looking to take indulgence to the next level, can also treat themselves in the newly revealed luxurious champagne lounge and caviar bar, Sip. “It is never too early for champagne and there is always something to toast to while aboard Scarlet Lady. We want our Sailors to enjoy a glamorous holiday and what better way to feel like a RockStar than a sip of bubbly whenever and wherever you want it,” said Tom Mcalpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages. SHAKE FOR CHAMPAGNE Virgin Voyages is giving its Sailors one more reason to celebrate all of life’s moments with its on-demand delivery service, Shake for Champagne. When the Virgin Voyages Sailor App is shaken, a secret Virgin Voyages Champagne button is revealed and, with just one press, a bottle of Möet Chandon Impérial will be delivered to the Sailor. “There’s nothing more luxurious than having champagne at your beck and call or even a shake. We are committed to creating the world’s most irresistible travel brand, so we thought long and hard about how to help our Sailors effortlessly get a sip of bubbly during their voyage, and presto Shake for Champagne was conjured up!” said Nathan Rosenberg, CMO for Virgin Voyages. Delivered in an eye-catching, gleaming Virgin red champagne bucket, which is sure to make everyone around envious, the service includes a 750ml bottle of Möet Chandon Imperial with two glasses. Möet Chandon Imperial is a blend of over 200 crus, mingling the full body of pinot noir with the suppleness of Meunier and the finesse of chardonnay – the perfect pairing for a day or evening sailing in the warm Caribbean sea. SIP Sip is a decadent lounge designed to be enjoyed with a chilled glass of bubbles. Featuring a diverse curation of champagne labels, including Moët Chandon – Virgin Voyages’ featured champagne house. Sailors can opt for a glass of bubbles priced from $9 or splash out on a $1,000 vintage bottle. In a nod to Virgin’s quintessential British heritage and eccentricity, Sip will offer a signature afternoon high tea, which will delight the eyes as well as the taste buds, while celebrating oceanic elements. Designed by the Virgin Voyages design team, with spatial design by HKS Hospitality Interiors, the lounge was inspired by the glamour and effervescence of champagne. Featuring a long marble bar with rose-gold inlay, Sip encourages Sailors to indulge in one of the most luxurious pairings of them all, champagne and caviar. Gold and rose-pink hues echo the color of the champagnes that will be served, and are beautifully offset by deep watery blues and carrara white marble bars and tables. The deep ocean blue banquette wall and carpet that wraps through the space, will create a chance to revel or relax at all times of day as the ship sails through the ocean’s blue waves. (PRESS RELEASE)_SHANGHAI, Oct. 10, 2019 – Excitement was in the air today as Royal Caribbean International announced the homeport and name of its fifth Oasis Class ship. The next ship to join the leading cruise line’s innovative lineup will be named Wonder of the Seas and set sail from Shanghai, China. The details were revealed by Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley at a global cruise industry conference event held in Shanghai. Slated for a highly anticipated debut In 2021, the world's largest cruise ship will introduce a new era of cruising as the first of the renowned Oasis Class to sail the Asia Pacific. “Royal Caribbean is known for its innovation and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and an Oasis Class ship in China is proof of that,” said Bayley. “Wonder of the Seas will redefine the ultimate vacation and be revolutionary in her own right, and she marks one of Royal Caribbean’s most exciting chapters to come.” Today also marked an important milestone for Wonder of the Seas. Halfway around the world in Saint-Nazaire, France, Wonder’s keel was lowered into place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, marking the start of the ship’s physical construction. During what is known as the keel-laying ceremony, a 970-ton block, measuring 155 feet by 65 feet, was lifted onto the building dock with a 1,400-ton crane. “Royal Caribbean International has been a market leader in China for more than 10 years by consistently showcasing bold deployment strategies and driving growth of the new to cruise market,” said Dr. Zinan Liu, Chairman, Royal Caribbean Asia. “The deployment of Wonder of the Seas is a manifesto of new era for Royal Caribbean.” Wonder of the Seas will be part of the Oasis class of ships, the largest in the world, and will combine the iconic seven-neighborhood concept that her sister ships feature along with a bold lineup of thrilling experiences, imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology. More information on Wonder’s itineraries and brand-new adventures will be announced soon. (PRESS RELEASE)_14 October 2019, Sydney, Australia – Vanuatu, one of the natural gems of the South Pacific, will be the new home of Royal Caribbean’s newest private island destination – Perfect Day at Lelepa, Vanuatu. The announcement of the new project was made by Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley. Salwai and Bayley said the destination will be created in partnership with the community of Vanuatu to showcase the distinct natural ecological beauty and diverse local culture of the island nation as well as provide employment and education opportunities. Perfect Day at Lelepa will also be built with sustainability features designed to safeguard the island’s ecosystems and will be the first carbon neutral* private cruise destination in the world. Cox Architecture, a sustainable, design-focused contemporary architectural firm based in Australia, will serve as the lead architect on the project. “We believe our destinations should be sustainably designed,” Bayley said. “That idea goes beyond simply protecting the ecological features of Lelepa and includes showing respect for the people and traditions that make this a special place.” Vanuatu Prime Minister Salwai said, “Vanuatu is a true paradise for both our people and the visitors we welcome to our shores each year. Today marks a major step forward in our island nation’s close relationship with Royal Caribbean and one that will support sustainable growth for future generations. The Ni-Vanuatu people look forward to welcoming Royal Caribbean guests from around the world to enjoy extraordinary adventures and relaxation during their Perfect Day at Lelepa.” Bayley said, “Anyone who has encountered the tremendous natural beauty of Lelepa can understand why it is the perfect setting for ‘Perfect Day.’ Our guests who travel to the South Pacific are seeking authentic adventures and genuine relaxation, and they will find both here.” Perfect Day at Lelepa will have a different look and feel from Royal Caribbean’s wildly popular Perfect Day at CocoCay “because our guests around the world all have different definitions for their perfect day — and all of them are right. Our designers and nature have created the ideal South Pacific experience and we expect the results will be stunning.” DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – October 15, 2019 – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line today announced that its wildly popular, innovative Cruise & Stay program is coming to Nassau. Earlier this month, the company introduced Nassau as a second destination, joining Grand Bahama Island. Now, travelers seeking an authentic, memorable Bahamian escape can extend their cruise with a resort vacation at a number of properties, including the all-inclusive Meliá Nassau Beach Resort at Cable Beach, SLS at Baha Mar and Comfort Suites on Paradise Island. “We are excited to introduce our unique Cruise & Stay Program on Nassau, giving travelers the chance to extend their escape at any one of our partner hotels and resorts,” said Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “We have seen tremendous success with this program over the years, and we know that offering the option in Nassau will be a real hit for our guests, as well as benefit Nassau and the Bahamas’ tourism recovery effort.” Beginning on October 14, travelers can enjoy two ways to get away to Nassau, with either a two-night cruise onboard Grand Classica or through the cruise line’s Cruise & Stay program, which allows travelers to extend their time on the island for up to six nights, uncovering the magic of Nassau and enjoying the various benefits and amenities that each resort offers. Prices for a four-night cruise and stay start at just $389 per person*. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s premier partners in Nassau include: Meliá Nassau Beach All-Inclusive Resort: Perfectly located on the white-sand beaches of Nassau Beach, this all-inclusive resort is a fan favorite featuring seven dining venues and four bars serving international, regional, and local specialties. Resort suites feature panoramic ocean views, heated beachfront pools, and a Kids Club with indoor and outdoor activities – perfect for families and multigenerational groups. SLS Baha Mar: An irresistible Bahamian retreat that’s sure to please every guest, this resort’s suites include signature bedding, a walk-in rainfall-style shower, and plush SLS robes and slippers. The resort boasts 19 food concepts, seven pools, a luxury casino, and premier nightlife, including a range of bars and lounges. Comfort Suites Paradise Island: Nassau’s most affordable option, located just steps away from Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas, where guests have access to the beach and waterpark, this hotel features a family-friendly atmosphere with daily buffet-style breakfast, spacious rooms, and an outdoor pool. Guests who book a Cruise & Stay package to Nassau will experience Grand Classica while cruising from and back to West Palm Beach. The ship offers an extensive sun deck with a swimming pool, al fresco dining with stellar sunset views, full-service spas, interactive kids’ programs, and a variety of entertainment options, including nightly theater performances, live bands, and more. In tandem with the launch of its Cruise & Stay Nassau offering, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is giving cruisers free reasons to book, rolling out several special perks for guests who book through December 31. These include a free specialty dinner on the first night at sea, five free drinks per stateroom, a free wine tasting onboard and 400 Paradise Reward points towards a free cruise. Kids also sail and eat free. For more information on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line or to book a cruise, please visit: www.BahamasParadiseCruise.com or call 888-530-2775 (English) / 888-530-2776 (Español). Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following the cruise line on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, October 14, 2019 – As the countdown to Crystal Endeavor’s August 2020 launch progresses, Crystal Expedition Cruises announced today that naturalists Boris Wise and Eva Molin Westerholm have joined the Crystal team as expedition leader and assistant expedition leader, respectively. The two are working with Crystal experts to build the team of expedition guides that comprises a comprehensive roster of subject matter experts relevant to the destinations Crystal Endeavor will explore. The expedition guides will share their passion for discovery with Crystal guests, highlighting the history, terrain, wildlife and culture of the destinations on a variety of worldwide voyages. Depending on the itinerary, Crystal Endeavor will feature up to 22 expert guides that will include biologists, marine biologists, naturalists, historians, ornithologists, geologist, ecologists and others. “Every destination featured on Crystal Endeavor voyages is absolutely fascinating in its own way. Each itinerary allows for authentic connections and great adventures that include wildlife spotting, zodiac and kayaking adventures, helicopter flightseeing and deep-water discoveries in a seven-man submersible,” said John Stoll, Crystal’s vice president of land programs. “As every region of the world is so vastly unique, so, too, will be the perspectives and experiences for our guests. We are thrilled to feature some of the world’s top experts in their fields uncovering the best ways to explore and truly become immersed in adventures that each area has to offer.” Both Wise and Westerholm are veteran explorers of the Arctic and Antarctic, with vast experience leading expeditions in the polar regions and beyond. Wise, an accomplished photographer with a background in horticulture, has spent a decade sharing his expertise in Southeast Alaska, before he ventured to Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage, Baffin Island, Svalbard Archipelago, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Westerholm has focused her background in social anthropology and passion for the wilderness on expedition voyages for more than 13 years, guiding travelers through the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as Iceland, Central America, Eastern Canada and the British Isles. The addition of Wise and Westerholm to the Crystal Endeavor team comes as David Sinclair is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities closer to home. “We are immensely grateful to David for his unique insights and assistance over the past months as we’ve developed programs to enrich and excite Crystal Endeavor guests,” Stoll said. “He was a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish him all the best in the future.” In 2020-21, Crystal Endeavor will sail to the farthest reaches of the world, from the Arctic via the fabled Northeast Passage to the Ross Sea in Antarctica, and to many regions few travelers explore, including New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands; the Russian Far East and Japan; New Zealand, Tasmania and the Great Barrier Reef; Borneo, Philippines and Indonesia; Aleutian Islands and Alaska; Western Europe and Canary Islands; and South America. Guests will have opportunities to embark on thrilling adventures, cultivate deep cultural connections, and gain intimate understanding of the biodiversity and natural history of the destinations. The German-built, 20,000-GRT Crystal Endeavor will accommodate just 200 guests with elegantly casual, expansive public spaces; all-suite, butler-serviced guest rooms; Michelin-inspired dining options including Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar; 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. |
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