(PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2021) – Princess Cruises celebrated the arrival and return to service of Majestic Princess at the Port of Los Angeles today. Princess Cruises and the Port of Los Angeles highlighted the positive multi-dimensional impact cruising has on Los Angeles and surrounding communities. Every cruise ship visit infuses more than $1 million into the local economy. “We’re pleased to welcome guests aboard Majestic Princess today and celebrate the ship’s maiden voyage from the West Coast,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “We have we been sailing out of Los Angeles since our cruise line first began in 1965, and our guests and crew are helping the City of Angels generate substantial revenue for local businesses with our West Coast cruises homeporting from here year over year.” Princess Cruises, Los Angeles’ hometown cruise line and leader on the West Coast, sails more frequently than any other cruise line in this region, contributing $594 million to the Los Angeles economy in 2019. Over the past decade, Princess had more than 700 ship visits in Los Angeles—the most of any line. The cruise line is also known for its co-starring role on the hit TV series “The Love Boat” and frequently sailed with the beloved cast members and famous guests stars from the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Oct. 7, 2021 – With half its U.S. fleet back in service and sailing from six U.S. homeports – the most in cruising – Carnival Cruise Line has had an accomplishment-filled three months since resuming guest operations this summer.
The company’s restart began on July 3, 2021 when Carnival Vista set sail from Galveston and since then 10 additional ships have resumed service, carrying 237,000 guests from homeports along the East and West Coasts and the Gulf of Mexico all while guests were devouring nearly half a million Guy Fieri burgers and enjoying 11,000 adrenaline-fueled rides on BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea that debuted on the new Mardi Gras July 31, 2021. But it’s more than just burgers and roller coaster rides, Carnival’s resumption of service has provided much-needed vacations to hundreds of thousands of loyal guests, a boost to the economies in its homeport and port-of-call communities and opportunities for its shipboard team members to support their families in 120 countries around the world. “Our first three months back in service has underscored our strong brand loyalty, the best customer base in the cruise industry and our team’s ability to deliver outstanding results and guest service,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “It has been an emotional experience for everyone involved, myself included, as we have resumed operations with a focus on health and safety while providing a positive impact for our guests, team members and the communities we visit.” Carnival Cruise Line has announced plans to have 17 ships back in guest service by the end of 2021, with additional ships returning in January and February and the entire U.S. fleet back in guest operations by spring 2022. A video update from Duffy detailing the line’s return to service can be viewed here while an infographic detailing return to service statistics is available here. 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)_CELEBRATION, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2021) – A high-tech starship on a mission to assist the Resistance. A nautical playground where little cadets train with the most magical captains at sea. A hip hangout with an ultra-exclusive VIP list. With the addition of Star Wars: Cargo Bay, Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck and The Hideaway, Disney Cruise Line completes an unrivaled roster of new and reimagined experiences for children of all ages coming to the Disney Wish in summer 2022. More than just highly themed spaces, these kids’ clubs will transform into living worlds through magical entertainment presented with the care and expertise of Disney-trained counselors. “With even more spaces, stories and characters than ever before, the stage is set for a line-up of truly remarkable new experiences for children aboard the Disney Wish,” said Jim Urry, vice president, entertainment and port adventures, Disney Cruise Line. “We’re combining renowned Disney entertainment, expertly developed programming and imaginative storytelling to put kids in the center of their own adventures right alongside some of Disney’s most beloved characters, like Mickey Mouse, Chewbacca, Black Panther, Rapunzel, Belle, Anna and Elsa, and more.” (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Oct. 6, 2021 — Holland America Line is honoring members of the U.S. military with a special offer that adds $100 Onboard Spending Money to any cruise booking that departs from San Diego, California, though Dec. 31, 2021.
Holland America Line’s San Diego sailings are especially convenient for the many troops stationed in southern California. The Military Appreciation Offer — available to active and retired members of the military — can be earned on a variety of seven-day cruises to Mexico and the California Coast aboard Koningsdam and the Dec. 23, 2021, 10-day Mexico Holiday departure on Zuiderdam, The U.S. military has a large presence in San Diego with Naval Base San Diego, the U.S. Navy's largest base on the West Coast and the principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet. In total, the state of California has 32 military bases across all branches, with the Navy’s and Marine Corps’ bases clustered most heavily around San Diego. Onboard, the credit can be used for shore excursions, spa treatments, beverages, specialty dining, gift shop purchases and more. The offer is valid with standard cruise-only fares, as well as Holland America Line’s Have It All premium fare that includes four popular perks: shore excursions, a drink package, specialty dining and Wi-Fi. For more information about how to book the Military Appreciation Offer, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, FL, October 6, 2021 – Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line opened its recently unveiled 2023 Europe and North America Collection of voyages for sale to the general public. Featuring seven ships sailing 179 itineraries, which call on more than 260 ports, this new collection is the line’s most expansive and diverse offering to date. Charting the alluring coastlines of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Baltic & Scandinavia, Alaska, Canada, and the Colonial Americas, each voyage is a masterpiece of exploration that reveals iconic cities, off-the-beaten-path villages, and dramatic, unspoiled natural wonders. “These new voyages are ideal for discerning travelers seeking to re-discover the world,” stated Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises. “Whether they are retracing familiar paths or setting off to uncharted territories, they will find endearing smiles, enthralling cultural elements, and fascinating culinary experiences.” Featuring 30 to 50 percent more time in port than premium cruise lines, this new collection of itineraries features 190 overnight/multi-day stays in both marquee and boutique ports of call along with hundreds of evening and late-night departures, all of which afford guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history, culture, and cuisines of the destinations. 2023 Europe and North America Collection Highlights
(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, October 5, 2021: Azamara – the boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion experiences – is pleased to reveal its return to South Africa this winter, as the country reopens international cruising in South African waters and ports. Azamara Pursuit® will set sail from January to March 2022 with six back-to-back voyages – five of which are Country-Intensive itineraries – and will resume pre- and post-cruise land explorations with leading luxury safari operator, Micato Safaris, recently named the #1 World’s Best Safari Outfitter by Travel+Leisure for an unprecedented 10th time. “A trip to Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the kind of travel Azamara is known for, which is why I am so pleased to confirm our guests are now welcome back to South Africa following the reopening of its ports to international cruising,” says Azamara President, Carol Cabezas. “Once again Micato Safaris will deliver unrivaled pre-and post-cruise land programs, as they share Azamara’s love of travel, exploration and value of creating one-of-a-kind experiences for travelers.” “Together with Carol Cabezas and her team, we have crafted a series of unique custom programs which showcase the very best of Southern Africa for Azamara’s discerning passengers,” says Micato Managing Director, Dennis Pinto. Highlights from Azamara’s immersive pre- and post-land programs with Micato include: Greater Kruger National Park Safari & Winelands (five nights pre-cruise, five nights post-cruise): Azamara travelers will be introduced to two very different sides of South Africa – first exploring the Kapama Game Reserve, home to more that 40 mammal species, including Africa’s Big Five: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Then, visit the Western Cape, blessed with the perfect climate for making world-class wines, to explore the country’s wine region and sip local vintages from wineries like Vergelegen Estate followed by a gourmet meal from Tokara Restaurant. The US Virgin Islands go all in when it comes to trade shows, and the booth at this year's Seatrade in Miami Beach was no exception. Enjoy a taste of Caribbean hospitality! (Video by North Palm Beach Life)
(PRESS RELEASE)_On September 28, 2021, PONANT launched its first high polar exploration vessel, Le Commandant Charcot. The inauguration ceremony took place in Le Havre, France where the famous French explorer, Jean-Baptiste Charcot departed from for his journey to Antarctica. The 13th ship in PONANT’s fleet was launched during a ceremony attended by Anne Manipoud-Charcot, the explorer’s great-grand-daughter, Hervé Gastinel, PONANT’s CEO, and Captains Etienne Garcia and Patrick Marchesseau.
"The boldness of this project is not just about taking passengers to the far corners of the Arctic and Antarctica, it is about doing it safely and following the same values of seamanship that move us. Our principles are first about respect for nature – knowing how much we owe the oceans and the fragile eco-systems we travel. Polar regions in particular deserve the highest respect and attention. We are committed to this mission every day,” said Hervé Gastinel, PONANT’s CEO. A musical prelude from violinist Namanja Radulovic and pianist Laure Favre-Kahn resonated under the Normandy sky off the Etretat cliffs. Chef Alain Ducasse, architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, director Luc Jacquet, and designer Jean-Philippe Nuel were among the guests alongside other partners of the company including Vard shipyard, Stirling Design International and Aker Arctic. Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, French Ambassador for the Poles and Jérôme Chappellaz, Director of the Paul Emile Victor Institute also attended. By GERRY BARKER MIAMI BEACH, Fla._The banner hanging above the Seatrade entrance at the Miami Beach Convention Center said it all: “It’s Great to Be Back!” It’s been two years since the cruise industry gathered here in person, and there was a definite joy in the air from seeing old friends and colleagues again. Even so, this 35th edition of Seatrade was a markedly different experience: Pre-registration health questionnaires, uploading your proof of vaccination and temperature checks on entry — all part of the new COVID world order. Show officials estimated attendance at around 2,000 — some 10,000 less than last time around. And the giant exhibit floor, normally packed wall-to-wall, was maybe half full. But the show did go on, and we were grateful it did. READ THE COMPLETE REPORT AT ALL THINGS CRUISE By GERRY and PAMELA BARKER MIAMI_Pam and I are about to board Scarlet Lady, the first cruise ship launched by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages, and it doesn’t seem real. Mainly because we were originally set to sail on her in March, 2020. Then COVID changed everything for all of us. So, at long last, Scarlet Lady has made her way back to her home port of Miami, and is about to embark on her maiden voyage from here. While attending Seatrade, a few media were invited to get a preview, and here we are. We entered the ship through Terminal G (Terminal F, the ship’s home, is still under construction) and after going through a pre-board health screening that included an on-site antigen test, we were welcomed aboard. READ THE FULL REVIEW AT ALL THINGS CRUISE TAKE A PHOTO TOUR OF SCARLET LADY HERE |
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