(PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland – October 20, 2022 – The iconic actress Sophia Loren is the celebrated godmother for the MSC Cruises fleet in a relationship that spans nearly 20 years and the internationally renowned movie star embodies the core essence of MSC Cruises with her European style and glamour. As one of the greatest female stars of Classic Hollywood cinema, Sophia Loren has visited some of the world’s most renowned destinations and has a passion for travel. Leading up to the launch of MSC Seascape in New York City, the award-winning actress is sharing a list of her favorite chic destinations that she has visited over the years. Sophia Loren commented: “Throughout my life I have had the privilege of visiting some of the most beautiful places in the world, so it was hard to pick just a few that top the list. What makes these destinations so special are the unique experiences I have had in each one, from naming a glamorous cruise ship to creating special memories with my family. For me, traveling is all about experiencing new people and places and, in turn, discovering yourself all over again. Each of these destinations provide a chic atmosphere to unwind, relax and truly immerse yourself in a new place and its unique culture.” MSC Cruises offers a truly global experience and this winter will offer 21 modern ships sailing to more than 190 of the world’s most sought-after destinations across 85 different countries, including Sophia Loren’s must-visit destinations. From cosmopolitan cities to towns seeped in culture and history or tropical oases, her top destinations to visit include: (PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (Oct. 19, 2022) — Guests sailing on a Princess Cruises vacation over the 2022 holiday season will enjoy a host of new gourmet dining options and traditional go-to’s. Today, the Princess culinary arts team, led by Chef Rudi Sodamin, unveiled the Princess Cruise Culinary Collection of Holiday Menus, a new series of inspired fare available in the main dining rooms throughout the fleet ranging from a Thanksgiving feast featuring five entrees, to the meaningful and fun foods of Hanukkah, delectable Christmas dishes from traditions around the world, and concluding with a sparkling New Year’s Gala menu. Over the Thanksgiving holiday period, Princess will offer dozens of sailings to ports of call around the world. No matter where they happen to be in their itinerary, each ship will recognize the American Thanksgiving holiday on November 24 in high style—with festive autumnal decorations, and Thanksgiving-inspired activities with football broadcast on outdoor big screens. Of course, the centerpiece of the Princess Cruise Thanksgiving celebration will be the elaborate Thanksgiving feast. (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Oct. 19, 2022 — Holland America Line will partner with The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, the 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the eponymous landmarks, to celebrate the cruise line’s 150-year journey from immigrant carrier to consumer ocean liner fleet. The partnership, which kicks off October 26 as Holland America Line completes the recreation of the brand’s first-ever sailing from Rotterdam to New York City, features on-board video content across Holland America’s entire fleet produced by an Ellis Island researcher, as well as a curated exhibit launching in 2023 at Ellis Island detailing the brand’s historical prominence in bringing 1 in 10 immigrants from Europe to the United States. “Our history is deeply woven within the fabric of America’s story,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. “It’s only fitting that as we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we partner with the entity responsible for restoring and preserving Ellis Island, the entrance to America that so many of our passengers experienced on their journey to a new start.” (PRESS RELEASE)_CALABASAS, CA – (October 18, 2022) – Responding to the increased demand for longer more immersive vacations, the award-winning luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways unveiled a limited time offer of complimentary pre- or post-cruise land packages on select Europe, Egypt and Mekong River cruises in 2023*. Now available for reservations made until December 31, 2022, this exceptional offer provides guests a variety of complimentary two-, three- or four-night land packages as an extension to their river cruise vacation, allowing further exploration of the surrounding destinations where their river cruise begins or ends. "This new Free Land Package offer was designed to further enhance our guests’ vacation experience with an extra few days to recover from jetlag before their river cruise or explore a new city before returning home," said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. "Drawing on our European heritage, our river cruise itineraries and excursions have been created to offer our guests unparalleled experiences and the same is true for our land packages that have just the right balance of immersive included tours and free time.” (AMERICAN QUEEN NEWS)_There’s no better way to spend the holidays than aboard American Queen Voyage, which is offering exceptional deals on select sailings for those celebrating the holidays at sea. Sailings will be available on flagship American Queen® Lower Mississippi River Holidays on the River Sailing throughout late November and December. In celebration of American Queen Voyages’ 10th Anniversary this holiday season, Culinary Ambassador Regina Charboneau will join specialty sailings to host an authentic Creole Réveillon Dinner and festive cooking demonstrations. The Réveillon is a 19th Creole celebration consisting of an elaborate meal featuring Creole, Cajun and traditional Southern dishes. In addition to the holiday-inspired culinary activities, guests will also enjoy:
(PRESS RELEASE)_BOSTON – October 17, 2022 – As the beautiful Celebrity Summit® embarks to reposition in Miami for its Caribbean season, Celebrity Cruises® wrapped up a highly successful first season homeporting in Boston, where guests were treated to the waning summers of the Northeast and the ushering in of the mesmerizing landscapes of the New England fall. For the 2022 season, Celebrity Summit embarked on four 10-, 11-, and 12-night sailings that cruised the Northeast coastline, visiting ports in Maine and Canada. “Our first season homeporting in Boston was an absolutely thrilling success and one of Celebrity’s most sought-after itineraries,” said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “Having grown up in New England, this area is near and dear to my heart and having our guests experience the stunning scenery onboard the exquisite Celebrity Summit has brought me a lot of joy. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, FL, October 18, 2022 – Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has partnered with the Coral Gardeners, a Mo’orea (French Polynesia)-based organization determined to revolutionize ocean conservation and create a global movement to save the coral reefs through reef restoration, awareness activities, and innovative solutions. The team works to grow, plant, and monitor thousands of heat-resilient corals with the goal of bringing life back to the ocean. The three-year partnership begins this month with Windstar’s $35,000 donation to Coral Gardeners to adopt coral for all guests sailing with Windstar in French Polynesia for the remainder of 2022. 2022 is Windstar’s 35th anniversary of sailing in Tahiti/French Polynesia – the longest of any operator in the region. (It’s also the only destination where the U.S.-based cruise line sails year-round, giving guests ample opportunity to plan a once-in-a-lifetime visit in any season.) With two ships sailing French Polynesia throughout October, Windstar has been celebrating its 35th season all month long with special events, integration with local dignitaries and artists, and a heightened infusion of local culture both on board and ashore. “This new partnership is a wonderful way for us to celebrate Tahiti during our 35th anniversary season, but more importantly to make a positive impact for the future of these incredible islands,” said Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “We’ve been focused on reducing our carbon footprint via updating our fleet’s engines and operations, and this next step in climate action at sea is to partner with Coral Gardeners to protect the environment in French Polynesia and beyond.” Guests on the remaining 2022 sailings will receive a small card in their guest room, alerting them to the adoption of coral in their name. In 2023 and 2024, each guest booked on a Windstar cruise in French Polynesia will be presented with the option to adopt a coral for a donation of $35 per person. Unique coral adoption cards for those participating will be placed in their guest room on board. Prelog is confident the majority of guests will choose to donate to help save the reef they are enjoying on their Tahiti cruise. For more information on Windstar Cruises and all of its itineraries, visit www.windstarcruises.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, October 17, 2022: Azamara – the upmarket cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion® experiences – is pleased to announce the cruise line’s return to Venice, beginning April 3, 2023, as part of Azamara Journey’s® 12-Night The Best of The Med Voyage. Starting next spring, the line’s four-ship fleet will access the Venetian Lagoon ports of Chioggia and Fusina, allowing guests a more seamless opportunity to marvel at gondolas, stroll the cobblestone streets, and explore Venice with ease. “Thanks to our longstanding relationship with the local officials and port authorities of Venice, we’re thrilled to not only bring our guests back to this historic canal city, but also to allow them to discover the wonders of neighboring towns such as Chioggia, which only smaller ships can visit,” said Mike Pawlus, Azamara’s Director of Strategic Itinerary & Destination Planning. “We look forward to once again immersing our guests in the rich local culture and amazing historical sites that the destination has to offer.” In addition to gaining easy access to the heart of Venice, Azamara’s continued pursuit of hidden gems brings guests the unique opportunity to explore Chioggia, which has recently experienced a rise in tourism thanks to the flourishing of bacari, bars serving wine and finger food along the central canal, Riva Vena. Travelers can enjoy the city’s charming canals, historic churches, beautiful sandy beach, and undiscovered scenery. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, FLA., October 17, 2022 – SeaDream Yacht Club, the award-winning, boutique yachting experience, announced the appointment of Ashley Zaldivar to Director of Sales, Midwest, today. Ashley will support the company’s valued travel advisors in the Midwest Region from Texas to Minnesota and drive SeaDream’s Sales strategy in the region. For more information, travel advisors should visit www.SeaDream.com. “We are happy to welcome Ashley Zaldivar to the SeaDream team,” said Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club. “SeaDream truly appreciates Travel Advisors and Ashley will continue SeaDream’s commitment to deliver excellent service to our partners and support their clients for an unforgettable and idyllic yachting experience in the Caribbean and Europe.” Ashley brings extensive Sales and Marketing experience in boutique luxury travel and private clubs sectors to SeaDream Yacht Club. Most recently, she was the Director of Marketing for Stonebridge Ranch Country Club. Ashley has also served as Business Development Manager for The Travel Collection; Business Development Manager, Central Region, for Uniworld; and Strategic Accounts Manager for The Velvet Collection. She is a graduate of California State University. Family owned and operated, SeaDream Yacht Club has achieved the industry’s highest accolades for its boutique yachting experience aboard twin casually elegant mega-yachts. Each accommodating a maximum of only 56 couples and manned by 95 exemplary crew members, SeaDream I and SeaDream II feature plentiful open deck spaces and call on small harbors and secluded ports around the world on seven- to 15-day voyages. The line’s “It’s Yachting, Not Cruising” trademark defines not only the small size of the vessels but their distinctive, luxurious onboard lifestyle. Guests enjoy highly anticipatory service on a nearly 1-to-1, staff-to-guest ratio and the fares include an expansive array of special services, activities, watersports equipment, gourmet cuisine, premium wine and beverages, and gratuities. For more information about SeaDream Yacht Club, please visit www.SeaDream.com or call in USA +1 800 707 4911, in EU +47 67 792 585. (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., Oct. 15, 2022 — Holland America Line’s Rotterdam VII departed the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, today on its historic 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing. The 15-day journey recreates Holland America Line’s maiden voyage of Rotterdam I that departed the city 150 years ago today. The crossing follows the path of that first sailing to New York, with calls at Le Havre, France, and Plymouth, England. Holland America Line invited fans to come to Cruise Port Rotterdam and Wilhelminapier for a festive shoreside sailaway party, recreating a departure from centuries past when ships were sent off with fanfare. Fireboat’s spraying water and a flotilla from a local yacht club came to see Rotterdam off, while revelers were given souvenir handkerchiefs to wave. “Today is historic for our brand as we depart 150 years to the day that Holland America Line’s very first ship began its journey to New York,” said Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha. “In that time, we’ve carried immigrants and cruising vacationers, soldiers and refugees and earned a reputation for extraordinary care and welcoming all those guests as if into our own homes. As we sail into our next 150 years, that environment of service will be our hallmark as we create exceptional experiences for guests around the world.” Antorcha joined dignitaries from the city and port in a special sendoff ceremony that honored the shared history. During the crossing, guests will journey through Holland America Line’s history with memorable onboard enrichment programming, culinary recreations of dishes from a bygone era and exclusive entertainment. The festivities continue during an overnight call at New York Oct. 26 with a specially commissioned performance on the World Stage by past and present Lincoln Center Stage performers. Fans who missed the Oct. 15 crossing can book the April 6, 2023, 150th Anniversary Transatlantic from New York, ending at Rotterdam April 18, the cruise line’s 150th birthday. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com. |
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