(PRESS RELEASE)_Boston, MA – October 27, 2021 – Vantage Deluxe World Travel celebrated the christening of Ocean Explorer, Vantage’s first ocean-going small-ship, at the Raymond L. Flynn Cruiseport Boston Terminal in Boston on Monday.  Along with Vantage Founder & Chairman, Henry R. Lewis and local dignitaries, the ship's Godmothers, Patricia Lewis, wife of Mr. Lewis, and Vice President of Worldwide Operations Deirdre Dirkman, performed the ceremony. 

Ocean Explorer will navigate worldwide with 15 exciting itineraries that include Europe, a transatlantic passage to North America, Central and South America, and Antarctica. Itineraries include: Boston: Autumn in New England & Canada:  Montreal to Boston; Final Frontiers: Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands;  Deep into the Amazon: Brazil, Colombia & Peru; and Arctic Adventure: Iceland, Greenland, and Beyond. For more information or to book an itinerary, please visit https://www.vantagetravel.com/WhyVantage/OceanShipExperience and experience Ocean Explorer’s sister ship, Ocean Odyssey, set to launch in 2022.

“At Vantage, our goal is to provide the ultimate in small-ship luxury experience,” said Henry R. Lewis, Founder & Owner, Vantage Deluxe World Travel. “Ocean Explorer will offer a completely unique experience for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture of faraway lands and truly experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, while enjoying the incredible service and amenities of an intimate small ship environment.”

The five-star, intimately-scaled Ocean Explorer synergizes luxury travel and expedition cruising.  Accommodating up to 162 guests with 77 cabins and a landmark 15 solo cabins, breathtaking views abound on the ship’s soaring multilevel observation lounge and lobby. Multiple stateroom and suite options are available, walk-out balconies offer private panoramic observation opportunities, and select categories offer triple accommodations to enhance family and group experiences. 

Fine dining, small passenger-to-crew ratio, and spa amenities and services await on board — along with adventures like small-group wildlife viewing, kayaking and paddleboarding offshore (on select itineraries). Travelers can relax by the swimming pool, or be enraptured during curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events. Vantage’s onboard Concierge caters to guests’ every need, both pre-trip and during the cruise.

Ocean Explorer also features the latest satellite and navigation technology, including ULSTEIN X-BOW® technology, allowing for smoother sailing and enhanced comfort as the ship traverses the world’s seas; state-of-the-art safety technology; is Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising in Antarctica and the Arctic. Environmentally friendly standards included reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption.

Additional amenities include:
●        Culinary program offering gourmet dining incorporating region fare with beer and wine included with dinner
●        Hot rock-cooking restaurant, three bars, and various lounges
●        Complimentary unlimited WiFi (WiFi on certain segments of trips may not be available)
●        Top deck observation deck for gatherings, lecturers, performances, and more
●        Spa, massage, and hair services available at the onboard spa
●        Raised infinity pool
●        Sauna
●        Two hot tubs
●        Fitness center
●        Curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events
●        Low passenger-to-crew ratio
●        On expeditions, enjoy the services and curated lectures of a 5- or 17-person Expedition Team, comprised of experts in their field
●        Knowledgeable expedition staff by region
●        Onboard medical doctor
●        Gift Shop
●        Library with over 200 titles
●        Separate, intimate dining space for groups or special events (available upon request)
●        Entertainment programming with 100 movie titles

(PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, October 27, 2021 – Crystal Expedition Cruises today announced its impressive roster of experienced expedition team members comprised of scientists, naturalists, lecturers and guides who will join members of marine conservation agencies ORCA and California Ocean Alliance (COA) for Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural voyages in Antarctica beginning next month.

The luxury expedition yacht’s highly anticipated Antarctica season launches November 18 with the first of eight voyages round-trip from Ushuaia ranging from 11 to 19 nights exploring incredible wildlife within this remote icy wonderland, including the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Islands and lands beyond the Antarctic Circle.

Expedition Leader Sam Gagnon and Assistant Expedition Leader Rashidah Lim will lead the immersive expedition experience sharing their passion for polar discovery with guests during Zodiac landings, sea kayaking adventures, onboard presentations and more, for a large portion of the season. 

“With Crystal Endeavor, we are offering our guests a new lens to see the world through enrichment and visual storytelling with our team of talented expedition experts, as well as hands-on scientific research that allow our guests to actively participate in marine study and conservation,” said Walter Barinaga, vice president of Crystal Destination Experiences.  “Exploring Antarctica alongside our passionate guides and researchers from ORCA and COA make the expedition experience come alive for our guests, providing them with valuable insight into the unique wildlife and pristine landscapes they are witnessing.”

(PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, October 22, 2021 - Today Crystal Expedition Cruises announced it will provide complimentary round-trip chartered air flights between Miami and Ushuaia, Argentina, as well as hotel nights in both cities for guests on Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural round-trip Ushuaia voyages in Antarctica. Crystal Expedition Cruises is the only expedition line to offer non-stop charter flights from the United States to Ushuaia, Argentina for guests embarking on Antarctica voyages. The world’s newest and most spacious polar-class expedition yacht, Crystal Endeavor will launch her inaugural Antarctic season with eight voyages, November 2021 through February 2022, ranging from 11 to 19 nights and departing round-trip from Ushuaia.

From bow to stern, the 20,200-GRT German-built Crystal Endeavor is purpose built and designed for superior operation, safety and performance in polar conditions with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification that enables her to sail in the Arctic and Antarctic regions with precision German engineering focused on power, reliability, and painstaking craftsmanship. The ship’s propulsion system includes two Azipod D units and a diesel electric power plant designed specifically for ice-going vessels to help them operate at optimum efficiency while providing 13,020 kW of installed power, delivering well-balanced power and propulsion installation, giving both speed and comfort.

(PRESS RELEASE)_CELEBRATION, Fla. (Oct. 21, 2021) – On Nov. 25, Disney Cruise Line’s brand-new cruise ship float will embark on its maiden voyage in New York City as part of the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. The imaginatively designed “ship” has been christened “Magic Meets the Sea” and is inspired by the fantastical style of the Disney Wish, which sets sail in summer 2022.
 
“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a treasured tradition at the heart of family holiday celebrations,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. “We are honored to collaborate with Macy’s for this renowned event and build upon the shared legacy of creating magical memories year after year. Just like the Disney Wish, our float will be a celebration of enchanting Disney storytelling, beloved characters and wishes come true.” 
 
During its inaugural Parade voyage, the float will feature 15 favorite Disney friends who represent the stories and experiences on the Disney Wish, including Captain Minnie Mouse, who proudly adorns the ship’s bow; Princess Tiana, who cooks up the power of imagination in an all-new interactive adventure aboard the ship; Aladdin and Jasmine, whose story has been reimagined into an original Broadway-style stage show on board; and Cinderella, whose beautiful bronze statue will grace the fairytale-inspired Grand Hall.
 
Showcasing the grandeur of a Disney Cruise Line vessel, the new float will feature iconic design elements including a Mickey Mouse-inspired color palette, towering red funnels and an intricate filigree motif along the hull.
 
“The entire Macy’s Parade team is thrilled to welcome Disney Cruise Line to this year's outstanding Parade lineup,” said Jordan Dabby, producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “This magical float will enchant an audience of millions in New York City, and nationwide on television with Disney’s signature brand of imagination and innovation.”
 
More details about Disney Cruise Line’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance will be announced at a later date. 
 
The 95th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air nationwide on NBC-TV, Thursday, Nov. 25 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in all time zones. For more information visit macys.com/parade. To follow and participate in the excitement, check out @macys on various social platforms and follow #MacysParade.

 (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Oct. 20, 2021 — Holland America Line’s Rotterdam departed today on its highly anticipated 14-day maiden voyage from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cruise line celebrated the occasion with fanfare, cheering crew and a ribbon cutting to welcome guests on board the transatlantic cruise.
 
The 2,668-guest Rotterdam was delivered in July 2021 and is the third in the Pinnacle Class series for Holland America Line. Last week the ship arrived at its namesake city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, where it was announced that Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ships godmother when it is officially named in the spring.
 
“Rotterdam’s maiden voyage has been highly anticipated for months by our guests and team members eager to welcome them aboard,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Rotterdam is a beautiful ship and the fourth in our fleet to begin cruising this year.  We are excited to bring her to Florida and the Caribbean soon on her first sailing.”
 
Following the transatlantic crossing, Rotterdam will spend from November through April on its inaugural Caribbean Season, with all sailings roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. The cruises range from six to 11 days and span the entire region on southern, eastern, western and tropical itineraries. Guests looking for a longer getaway can embark on a Collectors’ Voyage — combined back-to-back itineraries that offer an in-depth exploration covering more than one area.
 
Every Caribbean cruise includes a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s award-winning private Bahamian island. This quaint sanctuary has evolved into a playground for cruise guests and features the finest beaches; two-story villas and private cabanas; delicious dining venues like Lobster Shack; and a variety of fun-filled tours for nature lovers, adventurous travelers and explorers.

​(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Oct. 20, 2021 – Adventurers seeking to travel far and wide can now set off on a world tour of their own. Royal Caribbean International is raising the bar for world cruises with the debut of the inaugural Ultimate World Cruise, an epic 274-night adventure that visits all seven continents, more than 150 destinations in 65 countries and 11 great wonders of the world. This rich, immersive experience on Serenade of the Seas is the longest and most comprehensive world cruise out there, sailing roundtrip from Miami on Dec. 10, 2023 and through Sept. 10, 2024. Bookings for the full Ultimate World Cruise can be made by phone starting today, with an exclusive one-week window through Oct. 26 for Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society Diamond status members and above.

Travelers will sail to 57 destinations new to the cruise line and exclusive to the cruise itself. Highlights include Casablanca, Morocco; Qaqortoq, Greenland; and Shimizu, Japan – the gateway to Mount Fuji. Guests can delve deep into many of the world’s breathtaking wonders, from Peru’s Machu Picchu to the Taj Mahal in India, and experience distinct cultures and picturesque shores at every corner of the world all in one spectacular adventure – only on Royal Caribbean.

“This is the world cruise of world cruises,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International “Now more than ever, people have resolved to travel the world and make up for lost time. Royal Caribbean is making that a reality with the ultimate vacation that welcomes those seeking adventure and exploration to taste, dance and dream with us around the world. To travelers asking themselves where they should go next, we say everywhere.”