(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – November 19, 2018 – The game-changing Celebrity Edge has officially arrived at the new home of modern luxury – Port Everglades’ Terminal 25 (T25) in Hollywood, Fla. – following the ship’s first-ever, 15-day transatlantic crossing.
Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Richard D. Fain, said: “The arrival of Celebrity Edge today book-ends a major chapter in the growth of Celebrity Cruises. It’s the culmination of years of dreaming, designing and dedication to bring this magnificent ship to life. A new era is truly upon us.” Viewing this momentous occasion from the bridge of Celebrity Edge with Fain, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, added: “The completion of her first-ever transatlantic crossing and arrival at T25 marks such a historic moment for Celebrity Cruises. This has been more than four years in the making. The collaboration and effort between teams across the world all comes together in this incredible moment. I can think of no better place to be than with Captain Costas and the crew of Celebrity Edge knowing that we are sailing into the future, literally and figuratively, with this beautiful ship.” Adorning the decks as Celebrity Edge entered the channel for the first time, more than 1,400 excited crew members waved to a sea of shoreside colleagues who gathered to welcome the ship and her crew to their new home at an exclusive welcome event hosted at the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center — a fitting debut for Celebrity’s first new ship in six years and the first of a new class in more than a decade. After the arrival of Celebrity Edge at T25, Lutoff-Perlo and Fain then hosted a grand opening ceremony in the revolutionary new terminal. Attended by key brand executives and esteemed Broward County and City of Hollywood officials, the dramatic ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official grand opening of the first terminal designed exclusively for the Celebrity brand, dubbed the new home of modern luxury. Brought to life in collaboration with Broward County’s Port Everglades, Bermello Ajamil & Partners, Inc. and Moss Construction, T25 melds a stunning, warmly inviting design with unique technology, such as Expedited Arrival, which will make the check-in process absolutely seamless, as well as an interactive light wall art installation. T25 will also offer The Retreat guests a singular experience along the path to The Retreat, with an exclusive lounge, elevator lobbies, screening areas and even a private rooftop terrace. Celebrity Edge embarked on the more-than 4,000-mile transatlantic voyage from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, on November 4, 2018, with more than 1,400 crew members on board. Along the way, the cutting-edge new ship visited ports in both Azores, Portugal, and Freeport, Bahamas. Celebrity Edge begins her inaugural season sailing alternating seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruise itineraries, with her Maiden Western Caribbean voyage departing on December 9, 2018, and her Maiden Eastern Caribbean voyage departing on December 16, 2018. Then, in spring of 2019, Celebrity Edge crosses the Atlantic again to offer guests stunning vistas of the Mediterranean with a range of seven- to 11-night sailings visiting iconic cities, including Barcelona and Rome. Bookings for Celebrity Edge are now open at www.celebritycruises.com/edge or through a travel advisor. Celebrity Edge will be joined by her sister ship, Celebrity Apex, in 2020, and two additional ships in the Edge Series will follow in 2021 and 2022. MIAMI_Royal Caribbean's newest, biggest and grandest ship – Symphony of the Seas – made its official debut here during a preview cruise for travel agents, media and special guests. It's the fourth Oasis-class ship in the fleet, joining Oasis, Allure and Harmony. Symphony is everything you loved about those ships, and more. Drawing heavily from guest feedback, President/CEO Michael Bayley talked about the ship's 25 percent improvement in efficiency as well as the addition of features like Playmakers Sports Bar and new dining options, like Hooked seafood restaurant. Every new Oasis-ship can proudly claim the title of “largest cruise ship in the world,” and Symphony now has that honor, with marginally more tonnage than Harmony. At capacity, it will carry over 6,000 guests and 2,000 crew. Throughout, Symphony reflects the refinements, attention to detail and lessons learned. Despite its size, you never feel lost, thanks to an abundance of signage, both digital and real. Royal has also worked hard on its app, which provides your personal cruise details, a daily planner, a personal calendar and what you need to know about all the ship's myriad things to do. Available in both IOS and Android, it will gradually roll out to all the ships in their fleet. We boarded through the distinctive glass facade of the Port of Miami's new Terminal A, built by Royal to handle megaships like Symphony, where they scanned our passport photos on entry. Upon arrival back, the biometric facial recognition units made going through Customs a breeze. Our cruise was a short one – two nights, with a stop in Nassau, Bahamas. Here are a few takeaways:
There was also a lot of talk about the upcoming expansion of their private island, Coco Cay. Opening next May, we donned VR headsets to get a virtual tour of what will be a full-featured water park featuring the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, as well as overwater cabanas guests can rent for the day. The theme is “Chills and Thrills,” and Royal is spending $250 million to over-deliver on both. I have to also give Royal props for adding extra plugs in the staterooms. It's the first time we didn't have the use the six-power strip we always pack for cruises. Well, even on the largest cruise ship in the world, it's still the little things, right? (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (November 15, 2018) – Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest ship, Norwegian Bliss, makes her way to Miami to offer Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning Nov.17, 2018. She will offer seven-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean with calls to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas through Mar. 30, 2019. In April, she’ll cross the Panama Canal, returning to Los Angeles for select sailings to the Mexican Riviera before moving to Seattle to meet her sister ship, Norwegian Joy, who will make her U.S. debut on Apr. 25, 2019. “Norwegian Bliss’s inaugural season surpassed anything we could have imagined, with guests and travel partners alike championing her innovation and beauty,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Miami has long been home to Norwegian Cruise Line, and we are especially excited to bring Norwegian Bliss, our latest ship, and one of our most innovative vessels, to the East Coast for a winter of Caribbean cruising.” Following a record-setting inaugural season of Alaska cruises from Seattle and a month-long period of voyages to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles, Norwegian Bliss continues to break records from port-to-port. She is the largest ship to be christened in Seattle, homeport in Los Angeles and call to Vancouver and San Francisco. Norwegian Bliss is also the largest cruise ship to traverse the Panama Canal from both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. (PRESS RELEASE)_Geneva, Switzerland (November 15, 2018) – MSC Cruises - the Swiss-based world’s largest privately owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa - announced today that sales for the Summer 2020 season are now open. With an unparalleled on board experience, modern and elegant ships, a vast selection of internationally-inspired cuisine, world class entertainment, award-winning* facilities and activities for all ages and luxurious pampering and wellness, MSC Cruises offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable getaway. And, whether traveling with a partner, family or group, these ultramodern ships have a range of accommodation types to fit every need. 1. The Iconic Mediterranean Experts in Mediterranean-style cruising, MSC Cruises will deploy 11 ships in this popular cruise region. Along with the Company’s new flagship, MSC Grandiosa, three other ships will sail in the Western Mediterranean — MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia and MSC Seaview. The beautiful and innovative MSC Seaview, which debuted in summer 2018, will spend a second summer in the Mediterranean, calling Barcelona (Spain) on Saturdays, followed by Cannes (France) and Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy). MSC Divina will sail to the Balearic Islands, including stops in Ibiza and a late night stay in Palma de Mallorca, with the new addition of a full day in the beautiful portside city of Naples (Italy). MSC Fantasia will visit the picturesque islands of Sicily and Sardinia (Italy), as well as a call in the thriving Spanish city of Valencia. In the Eastern Mediterranean, five ships will be deployed in order to meet growing demand for this stylish and picturesque region. MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Magnifica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Opera will all offer itineraries in the Greek Islands and the best of the Adriatic Sea, visiting the red-tiled roofs of Dubrovnik (Croatia), the dazzling white walls of Mykonos (Greece) and departing from the magic and mystery of Venice (Italy), among other exotic destinations. Finally, for those who are looking for a longer cruise in the Autumn months, MSC Poesia and MSC Splendida fall cruises offer 12 or nine-night sailings respectively to Portugal and Morocco or Madeira and Canary Islands. 2. MSC Grandiosa’s First Summer Season After being christened in November 2019, MSC Grandiosa will kick off her first summer season with one of MSC Cruises’ most popular itineraries, sailing from the historic port of Genoa (Italy), to Naples, where guests can travel to the mysterious and captivating ruins of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which still fascinates travellers almost 2000 years after its destruction in 79 AD. From there, the state-of-the-art ship will journey to the magnificent Sicilian city of Messina (Italy) and onward to the colorful Malta, the capital of Valletta. Before returning to Genoa, MSC Grandiosa makes her final stops in the unique and buzzing city of Barcelona (Spain) and the thriving port of Marseilles (France) (PRESS RELEASE)_Deerfield Beach, FL. November 12, 2018 – In honor of Veteran’s Day and throughout the month of November, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL) is celebrating our nation’s heroes with a complimentary specialty dining offer beginning today. To show appreciation for their bravery and service, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is giving all active military and veterans who book a cruise now through November 30 a complimentary dinner for two in one of the ship’s premier specialty dining restaurants. With daily departures from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island, military can enjoy a convenient, customizable and unforgettable cruise with their friends and family to cherish for years to come. “We are so appreciative of our active military and veterans for their service and are proud to welcome them onboard with this special offer,” shared Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “We encourage military to bring their friends and family onboard to experience the perfect getaway, a time to relax, have fun and spend well-deserved quality time with their loves ones.” Active military and veterans can enjoy a delicious dinner at any one of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s specialty restaurants. Guests can choose to indulge in fine dining at the premier Admiral’s Steak & Seafood, which pairs delectable specialties with a romantic ambiance. For those looking for something a little different, The Rock Grill offers a truly unique experience, giving guests the chance to cook their own meats and veggies at a personal lava rock grill at every table. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line encourages active military and veterans to invite their friends and family to join them on a cruise to Grand Bahama Island, as this special dining offer can be extended to two guests in a second stateroom. This specialty dining offer can also be combined with any other Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line promotion available at the time of booking and is valid for all sailings from now through 2019. To learn more about Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line or to book a cruise, please visit www.bahamasparadisecruise.com or call 800.995.3201. (ROYAL CARIBBEAN)_There is a longstanding maritime tradition that calls for new ships to be blessed by a Godmother. But what about a Godfamily? Royal Caribbean is giving this tradition a modern twist by asking famous and longtime fans the PenaVega family to serve as the first-ever Godfamily of a cruise ship.
(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Nov. 12, 2018) – Carnival Cruise Line announced today that the totally transformed Carnival Radiance will be the first cruise ship to feature “Big Chicken,” a seagoing version of a new restaurant created by the line’s Chief Fun Officer, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.
The menu will feature a mouth-watering variety of fried chicken sandwiches and fries, with flavors to match Shaq’s larger than life personality, all free of charge. O’Neal opened his first land-based Big Chicken restaurant in Las Vegas in late October. The seagoing adaptation Big Chicken aboard Carnival Radiance will be among the many food, dining and entertainment innovations incorporated into the 102,000-ton ship following a $200 million refurbishment in Cadiz, Spain, in 2020. ”Shaq has brought so much to our brand as Chief Fun Officer and we are always looking for ways to expand on this wonderful relationship and provide our guests with new ways to Choose Fun,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Knowing his passion for food and fun, we’re thrilled to work with Shaq to bring the first Big Chicken at sea aboard the totally transformed Carnival Radiance.” “As Chief Fun Officer, I want to bring even more fun to every aspect of a Carnival cruise, including what guests eat,” said O’Neal. “Big Chicken has been a dream of mine and now that our land-based restaurant is open, it’s only natural to bring it to sea, as well. I’m really excited that Carnival Radiance guests will be able to enjoy my own delicious creations alongside all the other great food offerings on board.” Located aft on Lido Deck, Big Chicken will tantalize vacationers’ taste buds with a delectable array of fried chicken favorites, all developed and taste-tested by the NBA Hall of Famer himself based on his own recipes. A variety of fried chicken sandwiches will be featured, with playful monikers inspired by Shaq’s litany of clever nicknames for himself, along with his own take on traditional sides. Breakfast will be offered as well with choices like chicken and egg biscuits that serve as the perfect morning accompaniment. Service is a breeze, with patrons placing their order at the counter and picking up their items right away – no waiting and best of all, it’s free. Big Chicken is among the many new culinary and beverage offerings that will be available on Carnival Radiance when it debuts in 2020. Other outlets include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse developed by Food Network star and longtime partner Guy Fieri, a classic American steakhouse called Fahrenheit 555, the Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant, and the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub. An expansive new WaterWorks aqua park featuring the new AquaTunnel slide as well as a SportSquare open-air recreation complex with a suspended ropes course will be added, as well. All of the ship’s staterooms will be renovated with a tropical color palette and striking new décor. Itinerary and homeport details for Carnival Radiance will be announced shortly. (ROYAL CARIBBEAN)_Royal Caribbean International’s highly-anticipated Symphony of the Seas arrives into her new home at the state-of-the-art Terminal A in Miami today. The ultimate family vacation,Symphony is set to deliver a new sound of adventure with one-of-a-kind experiences for all ages on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, which will visit the cruise line’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay (opening May 2019).
(PRESS RELEASE)_Los Angeles (November 8, 2018) – Viking® (www.vikingcruises.com) today announced a new 11-day ocean cruise itinerary, Greek Odyssey, that will allow guests to explore the ancient empires of antiquity of the Aegean Sea during the quiet season. Sailing roundtrip from Athens starting in January 2021, the new itinerary features three new ports of call for Viking, including Volos, Thessaloníki and Nafpilo in Greece, as well as a stop in Ephesus, marking the company’s return to Turkey. “Our guests are curious explorers who want opportunities for learning while they travel in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Our destination-focused ocean itineraries are built on the same successful principles as our river itineraries – we offer our guests more time in port, enriching cultural experiences, the best-designed ships at sea with no children, no casinos and no nickel-and-diming. With this new itinerary in Greece and Turkey offered during the quiet winter season, we look forward to helping our guests explore such a culturally rich region of the world in ‘The Viking Way.’” Sailing on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest all-veranda Viking Sea®, guests will journey through several millennia of culture and history, from Athens, known as the “birthplace of democracy,” to the island of Crete, home to the mysterious Minoan civilization. Highlights of the new Greek Odyssey itinerary include: Ephesus (Kuşadasi), Turkey: One of the best-preserved cities of antiquity in the world, guests can visit the remains of the Byzantine Basilica of St. John, take in sights such as the massive Great Theater and the magnificent Library of Celsus, or see the modest home where, according to legend, the Virgin Mary lived out her final days. Volos, Greece: Now a modern, cosmopolitan port city, this region was once thought of as the playground of the gods. Guests can experience the stunning scenery of Meteora, where medieval monasteries stand precariously on hilltops, or explore the ancient religious center of Dion, located on the foothills of Mt. Olympus. Thessaloniki, Greece: Greece’s second-largest city offers an exhilarating mix of ancient culture and modern life. While in port, guests can walk the vibrant waterfront promenade with its many cafés and restaurants, or venture outside the city to the remains of the ancient Macedonian kingdom of Alexander the Great. Nafpilo, Greece: Set between breathtaking mountains and the Bay of Argos, Nafpilo is one of Greece’s most beautiful and romantic port cities. Guests can discover the charms of its Venetian homes and Byzantine churches, take a drive to Palamidi, an imposing fortress towering over the city, or travel to the nearby Peloponnese peninsula, an ancient area rich in history. Scenic cruising: Mt. Athos: During the one sea day on this itinerary, guests will sail past the majestic slopes of Mt. Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spiritual capital of Orthodox Christianity. Called the “Holy Mountain,” the peninsula’s soaring peaks are home to 20 monasteries whose monks work to preserve and catalogue a vast collection of liturgical works and art. The Viking Difference Designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights. On board, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is both beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. With the most al fresco dining opportunities at sea, featuring regional cuisine and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences on shore and on board. And only The Viking Way® of exploration provides guests with itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access® experiences. In addition, Viking offers a compelling value compared to other cruise lines. Every cruise fare includes an outside stateroom, a complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; alternative restaurant dining; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – NOVEMBER 8, 2018 – The first ship ever designed exclusively for the Galapagos Islands, Celebrity Flora, just introduced another enticing industry first: A once-in-a-lifetime camping experience on the top deck of the luxury yacht that allows guests to dine, drink, and, yes, even sleep under one of the most spectacular night skies in the world.
“Celebrity Flora was specifically designed to bring our guests closer to the Galapagos Islands than ever before – from its outward-facing design that takes guests to the water’s edge, to the enhanced custom-designed Novurania yacht tenders,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “And now our new Galapagos Glamping experience gives guests an incredible opportunity to experience the destination the ship was built for, on a whole new level, under the millions of stars above.” TREATED LIKE STARS—UNDER THE STARS Four star-struck guests per night will be able to book the top deck onboard experience and participate in this one-night-only adventure. The reservations include two luxuriously inviting cabanas, one fitted with a double bed for sleeping, and the other for enjoying a mouthwatering, alfresco meal. Galapagos Glamping was created to break down the walls and bring guests closer than ever to this stunning destination. To help guests fully appreciate the breathtaking views this experience offers, a naturalist will also be available to highlight the stars and constellations visible from this region of the world directly from the cabana seats. NEW VIEWS AND NEW FLAVORS Exclusive campfire-inspired culinary delights – from cocktails to carefully selected wines to s’mores – will be specially curated for the evening, while guests gaze at the endless open skies above. Guests will have a delicious dinner served exclusively as part of the Galapagos Glamping experience. Campers will also welcome the spectacular sunrise with a full bed-side breakfast. Modern luxury exploration in the Galapagos Islands will never be the same once Celebrity Flora begins her inaugural season, sailing alternating 10- and 11-night tours, there is also the option for guests to select a 16-night itinerary— an inner loop and outer loop — to the region’s most stunning locales in 2019 and 2020. Based in Baltra Island in the Galapagos, Celebrity Flora will make her debut sailing on May 26, 2019. Bookings are now open at www.celebritycruises.com/flora, or through a travel advisor. The exclusive Galapagos Glamping experience will be available upon request for a fee, on every Celebrity Flora sailing, subject to availability. To learn more about the brand’s unrivaled offerings, or its industry-leading stewardship and conservation efforts in the region, visit www.celebrity.com/galapagos. |
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