(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, November 27, 2019 – Crystal Cruises has unveiled 10 brand-new voyages added to its collection of Crystal Getaways – shortened versions of longer itineraries – ranging from four to 10 nights. With 29 Getaways in total for the remainder of this year and next, guests can indulge in the award-winning Crystal Experience across the globe.

Featuring an abundance of all-inclusive enrichment and wellness options, globally inspired dining experiences, shoreside discoveries of UNESCO treasures and other highlights for which Crystal is known into calendar-friendly itineraries, the new Getaways include:

Haute Caribbean Holiday, December 22, 2019 eight-nights from Miami to Turks & Caicos, Antigua, Barbados and St. Maarten; December 30, 2019 seven-nights from Barbados to Tortola, Key West and Miami;

Timeless Treasures & Ancient Cultures, March 20, 2020 eight-nights from Singapore to Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka; March 28, 2020 six-nights from Sri Lanka to Cochin and Mumbai, India;

Empires of Past & Present, April 3, 2020 eight-nights from Mumbai to Oman, the gulfs of Aden and Aqaba and Jordan; April 11, 2020 10-nights from Aqaba to Israel, Cyprus, Crete and Italy;

Icons of the Mediterranean, July 10, 2020 four-nights from Monte Carlo to Florence, Rome and Sorrento, Italy; July 14, 2020 five-nights from Sorrento to Dubrovnik and Venice;

Beyond the Acropolis & Aqaba, October 23, 2020 six-nights from Athens to Rhodes, Greece, Israel and Aqaba; October 29, 2020 10-nights from Aqaba to the gulfs of Aden and Aqaba, Oman and Dubai.

Fares for Crystal’s 2019 and 2020 Ocean Getaways begin at just $1,049 per guest, double occupancy. Travelers still have time to save on all-inclusive journeys, as the company’s Book Now Savings January 8 deadline nears, those who book before then can save up to $3,200 per stateroom or suite.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Nov. 25, 2019) – Leave it to Carnival Cruise Line to spice up the fun this holiday season! 

In partnership with Atlanta culinary artist and baker Karen Portaleo, the world’s most popular cruise line has created a massive 23-foot-long gingerbread replica of Carnival’s new Mardi Gras, set to debut next year.  

Weighing 1,500 pounds, the ship-shaped confection is “docked” at Atlanta’s Lenox Square Mall and was officially named by Portaleo who served as godmother this past Saturday. In keeping with maritime tradition, the Food Network star smashed a ceremonial bottle across the vessel’s bow. Carnival also made a $10,000 donation to the Immune Deficiency Foundation, Portaleo’s charity of choice which is dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of those with primary immunodeficiencies.

“I’ve created hundreds of cakes during my career but a 1,500-pound gingerbread cruise ship is certainly a first for me,” said Portaleo. “As a baker, I’m always looking for a challenge and creating a gingerbread replica of Mardi Gras was an amazing experience as it serves as a fun conversation piece for thousands of holiday shoppers. I can’t wait to see the real Mardi Gras when it debuts next year.”

“Carnival is all about bringing fun and memorable vacations to more than five million guests who sail with us every year,” said Hugo Castillo, Carnival’s creative director. “And what better way to ring in the season and bring fun to holiday shoppers than with the world’s largest gingerbread ship! If they like this version of Mardi Gras, they’ll be blown away when the real deal arrives next year.”

Comprised of 130 pounds of flour, 10 pounds of cinnamon, and 50 gallons of icing, the gingerbread Mardi Gras is an creative representation of Carnival’s most innovative ship complete with a water park and even a working replica of BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.

The real Mardi Gras is set to debut in Europe in August 2020 and, after several sailings in New York, will reposition to Port Canaveral for year-round Caribbean departures beginning in October 2020.

The gingerbread cruise ship will be on display at the Lenox Square Mall through Dec. 24, providing a unique and memorable attraction for shoppers during the holidays. 

Shoppers can also interact with the ship through a fun custom Snapchat geofilter, special Snapchat AR lenses that provide a peek into Mardi Gras’ many on board innovations, and a GIF booth for shoppers to capture how they’re Choosing Fun with Carnival.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Coral Gables, FL, November 22, 2019 – Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, The NCL Encore, launches November 2019, with designs from South Florida-based, boutique interior design firm Studio DADO.  Studio DADO is responsible for the design of two brand-new concepts on board Encore; Q, a Texas Roadhouse-style barbeque joint and Onda by Scarpetta, which brings the iconic New York City restaurant to the high seas through an adaptation of their brand. Other new designs include The Social Comedy Club, Teppanyaki and the Galaxy Pavilion.

Leading the project are two of Studio DADO’s founding partners, Yohandel Ruiz and Javier Calle. The award-winning firm, which recently debuted on Interior Design magazine’s ‘100 Rising Giants’ list for 2019, brings their uncomplicated and collaborative design approach to Encore to create these transformative spaces. Having worked with NCL on several previous vessels, DADO understood that as the last ship in the class, Encore needed to provide guests with an unparalleled experience.

“Understanding client expectations and their desire for the traveler experience, is key to successful design. This is especially so when we have nuanced projects that require a great deal of thought as to not only how guests will use the space, but how they feel in the space,” says Yohandel Ruiz. “When design is done right, the guests are transported into another time and place.”

Studio DADO’s philosophy is exemplified by their interpretation of a Texas roadhouse-style barbeque joint, Q--an authentic experience, with its time-worn, textured look.  The use of raw, distressed materials purposefully create a space that feels as if it just came together over time. While DADO’s work on The Social Comedy Club takes guests on a journey through the evolution of comedy with a black and white palette evoking an old Hollywood feel to whimsical touches that pay homage to iconic sitcoms for the 50’s and 60’s.

For the Onda by Scarpetta reinterpretation, lead by Javier Calle, has created an onboard aesthetic that combines elegant old-world charm with the sophistication of a Manhattan eatery. Utilizing their specific, customized approach, Studio DADO captured the ideal balance of high energy and effortless elegance while preserving a communal and comfortable atmosphere. DADO applied natural materials such as walnut and calacatta gold marble to a contemporary, minimalist Italian aesthetic. The result not only provides a memorable experience for guests, but represents the pinnacle of chic and effortless modern design while staying true to the aura that is ‘Scarpetta’.

“Working with Studio DADO has been one of the most efficient design processes I’ve ever been a part of. We had instant chemistry and spoke the same language,” says John Meadow, founder and president of LDV Hospitality. “Our visual aesthetics were in line since day one. They listened and executed immaculately.”

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – (Nov. 22, 2019) – Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel with a nearly 53-year history of breaking boundaries, hosted a christening ceremony in Miami for its newest innovative ship, Norwegian Encore. 
 
Over 3,500 guests consisting of travel partners, investors, government officials, media, and family and friends of Norwegian Cruise Line were invited to the pier-side ceremony and celebration at Port Miami.  An interactive arrival experience indicative of the brand’s commitment to world-class entertainment and innovative and meaningful experiences, encouraged attendees to share the moment and to make lasting memories.

During the ceremony, guests enjoyed a showcase of the Company’s onboard entertainment, which included “Choir of Man” and the Tony Award®-winning “Kinky Boots.” Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings; Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line; and Harry Sommer, incoming president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line welcomed attendees and spoke to the Company’s history and commitment to Miami, the beauty of the new ship, her industry-leading amenities, and their gratitude for all those who ensure a memorable guest experience aboard Norwegian Encore.
 
“Norwegian Cruise Line has been sailing from Miami for over 50 years,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “We were the first to offer weekly cruises to the Caribbean from Miami, which shaped the city’s reputation as the ‘Cruise Capital of the World.’  Five years ago, we launched our history-making Breakaway Plus class and today, we are proud to christen Norwegian Encore, the final ship of this class and a true representation of the evolution of the brand, right here in our hometown of Miami.”

After the traditional blessings, honorary godmother and GRAMMY Award-winning artist, Kelly Clarkson, officially christened Norwegian Encore with the champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull. Guests were then treated to a live performance of Clarkson’s “Miss Independent,” “Stronger,” “Since U Been Gone,” and other chart-topping hits.
 
This milestone marks the closing of the Company’s most successful class of ships, the Breakaway Plus class, which first debuted in Miami with the introduction of Norwegian Escape in 2015.  Norwegian Escape, Joy, Bliss and now Encore, have revolutionized the cruising industry with elevated experiences that include the world’s only racetracks and open-air laser tag arenas; the most sophisticated gaming and virtual reality complexes; world-class entertainment that rivals anything on land; and new, creative culinary offerings.

Norwegian Encore will offer seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami beginning Nov. 24, 2019; Bermuda, and Canada and New England itineraries from New York City beginning Apr. 22, 2020; and voyages to the Western Caribbean from Miami beginning Dec. 12, 2020.  In the spring of 2021, she will make her West Coast debut and sail to Alaska from Seattle. 

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Nov. 22, 2019) -- The most popular cruise line – Carnival Cruise Line – has selected one of the most popular television hostesses ever – Vanna White – as godmother for Carnival Panorama when she is officially named during its ceremony in Long Beach, Calif., on December 10.

“Vanna has been that welcoming face, cheering on and watching over Wheel of Fortune contestants for decades, and we love the fact that Vanna will be doing the same for Carnival Panorama, her guests and crew, as the ship’s godmother,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “Every night, millions of Americans welcome Vanna into their homes. She is beloved. What other game show hostess has earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame?  And she’s got the most famous wardrobe on television!”

“Carnival Cruise Line has been delivering fun and memorable vacations while taking great care of their guests for almost 50 years, and it is such an honor to be asked to be a part of the celebration of their newest ship coming to California,” said White.  “There is always so much excitement whenever we give away a Carnival cruise on the show. I can’t wait to see the ship and to meet the crew in December.”

Carnival Panorama departed from the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy on Nov. 1, and is en route to Long Beach for her naming ceremony on Dec. 10 and inaugural sailing Dec. 11.  The vessel is the first new ship Carnival has deployed to the West Coast in 20 years, and is the third in Carnival’s popular Vista Class, joining her sister ships Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon.

Vanna and her colleague Pat Sajak are no strangers to Carnival Cruise Line.  The Wheel of Fortune slot machines are popular attractions in the casinos across the Carnival fleet, and Pat and Vanna have been on board to tape segments for Wheel of Fortune as part of several successful cross-promotions between the brands over the years. 

Over the course of her 37 years on Wheel of Fortune, Vanna has appeared in more than 7,000 episodes, cheering on contestants and dazzling in a new outfit each night.  Her success has provided a foundation to help others in need.   Combining her passion for crocheting and helping children, the Myrtle Beach, S.C. native launched her own line of yarn called “Vanna’s Choice,” with a portion of the proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, of which Carnival is a longtime supporter.

Following an inaugural three-day cruise, Carnival Panorama will launch year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera service from Long Beach, Calif., Dec. 14, departing every Saturday on week-long voyages to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

As the name implies, Carnival Panorama reflects design inspiration with more opportunities to connect with the sea. The ship features a number of innovations including the first Sky Zone trampoline park at sea as well as a first-in-fleet culinary studio where guests can participate in hands-on cooking classes, tastings and other food-related activities hosted by the ship’s chefs.

Carnival Panorama also offers a variety of guest favorites such as a WaterWorks aqua park, Sky Ride, the popular bike in the sky with breathtaking views, a suspended ropes course and dining venues like Bonsai Teppanyaki and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse with barbecue favorites from Food Network star and Carnival partner Guy Fieri along with craft beers brewed on board.

A wide range of staterooms choices are available as well, including spa staterooms with exclusive privileges at the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa, extra-spacious staterooms in Family Harbor and tropical-inspired Havana staterooms with access to a Cuban-themed bar and pool.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, November 21, 2019 – Now available on the iOS platform for iPhone, a world of award-winning Crystal Experiences is available through the new Crystal Cruises app, which launched today. Through the new digital platform, travelers can explore hundreds of voyages by Ocean, River, Yacht and Expedition, as well as itinerary details and onboard amenities and experiences.

Once users select and download the free Crystal Cruises app via the App Store, they are welcomed to a home screen with three navigation options: “Explore Crystal,” “I Have Not Yet Booked” and “I Am on Board.” The first two of these choices offer different avenues of perusing the worldwide itineraries Crystal ships sail, while the latter is only functional while users are on board a Crystal ship and leads to an array of info specific to their voyage – ship details and deck plans; officers; movies, music, newspapers and magazines; enrichment presentations; points of interest and weather; spa; dining and more.

“We created the Crystal app to cater to the many savvy travelers who are constantly on the go and appreciate having all the information and choices available at their fingertips, when and where they choose,” said Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “It’s another facet to the intuitive and anticipatory experience that guests enjoy aboard our ships, further streamlining the process of finding the very best journeys for each traveler.”

Through the app, users can also access Crystal’s library of digital brochures and detailed information and distinctions of each brand experience – Crystal Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises and Crystal Expedition Cruises. They can navigate the Voyage Finder to select itineraries specific to the dates, destinations, themes and special offers that best suit them. Once they have selected their preferred voyage, they can choose to be connected to a Crystal travel advisor to continue the booking process.

Currently, more than 800 global voyages of award-winning, all-inclusive Crystal luxury are open for booking, including the remainder of 2019, 2020 and 2021 for Crystal River Cruises, plus 2022 and early 2023 for Crystal Cruises, Crystal Expedition Cruises and Crystal Yacht Cruises.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI (Nov. 21, 2019) – Carnival Cruise Line announced today that a new seafood restaurant designed by acclaimed culinary artist Rudi Sodamin will be among the varied dining options on Mardi Gras when it debuts next summer.

Sodamin’s reputation for curating unique dining experiences will lend itself to Rudi’s Seagrill which will offer dishes as artistic as they are flavorful. In addition to an extensive selection of seafood entrees and sides, there will also be several dishes presented as playful “food faces” that double as Instagram-worthy pieces of art.

“We wanted to offer our guests a new and exciting dinner-time option that is as sophisticated as our steakhouses but takes our tradition of fun to the next level,” said Cyrus Marfatia, vice president of culinary and dining for Carnival Cruise Line. “Rudi’s Seagrill will feature next-level seafood delicacies and showcase Rudi’s innovative artistry and ‘plates with personalities’ where guests can feast their eyes on a new personable presentation every time they dine – we’re sure everyone will enjoy them.”

“I’ve spent decades perfecting dishes for my restaurants both onboard and ashore, but it has been such a special experience to partner with Carnival to bring this exciting restaurant concept to life,” said Sodamin. “I believe the quality of a restaurant starts on the plate, so with Rudi’s Seagrill, I want guests to enjoy the food and feel connected to their meals in a fun and engaging way.”

Creatively crafted with a keen attention to detail, the menu at Rudi’s Seagrill will feature a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts presented as food faces including big eye tuna, grilled branzino, seared scallops and apple cheese cake.

Guests can also choose from a full menu of dishes including crab cake, salt-roasted prawns, broiled lobster tail, and chocolate truffle cake. For guests who prefer non-seafood options, there will be plenty of alternatives, as well.

Sodamin’s entrée into the culinary world began with an apprenticeship in Austria at age 14 which led to earning the title as youngest chef at sea leading a team of 260 culinary professionals. Sodamin, one of the hospitality industry’s most innovative chefs, serves as Holland America Line’s Master Chef, is a member of a number of prestigious culinary organizations including the Club des Chefs des Chefs and has authored a dozen cookbooks including “Food Faces” which features 150 vibrant images of his edible creations. The book as well as other merchandise will be sold onboard Mardi Gras.

Situated on Deck 8 between La Piazza and Summer Landing, Rudi’s Seagrill will boast an 80-seat indoor dining room with warm lighting and stylish design elements as well as an al fresco area on The Lanai. From creative décor to distinctive table settings, the restaurant will offer a fun and immersive atmosphere with Sodamin’s food face-themed artwork front and center as well as highlights including fish-shaped ‘Gurgle Pots’ that make comical gurgling sounds when poured and plates featuring Rudi’s most beloved food. Rudi’s Seagrill will carry a reservations fee in line with Carnival’s other full-service specialty restaurants.

Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe Aug. 31, 2020, before repositioning to New York for a series of voyages then shift to Port Canaveral for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning in Oct. 2020.

(PRESS RELEASE)_West Palm Beach, Fla. – November 20, 2019 – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line – the only provider of two-night cruises to Grand Bahama Island and Nassau – is inviting travelers to skip the Black Friday crowds this year and experience the true rhythm of the Bahamas with an exclusive getaway to Nassau.  Starting at just $129 per person*, guests will set sail November 29th for two nights aboard Grand Classica and enjoy stellar sunset views, fine dining, free drink credits, and more – along with an exclusive live performance by Grammy Award-Winning Group The Baha Men.  This special cruise is part of the new global #LetsGoBahamas campaign, a joint effort between the cruise line, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, and SONY Music, helping spread the message that the Bahamas is open for business.

“We are heavily invested in the recovery of the Bahamas, both from a financial perspective and philosophically, as the islands truly are our second home,” said Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “This special cruise with our friends, The Baha Men, gives travelers something to truly be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  They have the chance to positively impact the Bahamas’ economy following Hurricane Dorian while enjoying up close and personal access to a Grammy Award-winning band, unforgettable entertainment, and more. We can’t wait to welcome everyone aboard!”

In addition to having a front-row seat for The Baha Men’s exclusive concert at sea, travelers who book this getaway will enjoy all that Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has to offer, including an extensive sun deck with a swimming pool, full-service spa, interactive kids’ program, and a variety of fine dining options, like gourmet burgers at The Bull; an intimate, candlelit dining experience at Admiral’s Steak & Seafood; zesty Italian fare at A Slice Above; or experiential, interactive dining at The Rock Grill – which gives guests the opportunity to cook their own meat and seafood dishes on a lava rock.

Travelers are encouraged to get involved with the #LetsGoBahamas campaign by viewing The Baha Men’s latest music video for their song “Let’s Go” and donating to the Bahamas Red Cross to help aid victims of Hurricane Dorian.

For more information on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line or to book this special cruise event, 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 Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Fla. November 19, 2019 – Virgin Voyages, the new lifestyle brand shaking up the travel industry, announced their second ship will be called ‘Valiant Lady’ and that she will sail 7-night Mediterranean itineraries out of Barcelona, Spain when she debuts in May 2021. Bookings for the three feature itineraries, that all offer overnight and late-night stops across some of the hottest destinations in France, Italy and Spain, will open December 19, 2019.

“We are thrilled to unveil the name of our second ship -  Valiant Lady - and to deliver on our commitment to offer travelers a sea change in how they can experience cruising in this fantastic part of the world. Our Sailors will fall in love with the places we go and the moments and memories they will be able to create on our gorgeous ship. After all, there is no better way to sail the seven seas than doing it the Virgin way,” said Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages.

2021 Summers on the Med with a home in Barcelona 

Valiant Lady will dock just steps from Las Ramblas at the World Trade Center Barcelona, positioning Sailors as close to the heart of this stunning departure-port-city as possible. This prime location, usually reserved by luxury liners and mega-yachts, gives walking access to the dynamic and diverse neighborhoods of Poble Sec, el Raval, Barri Gotic, Port Vell and the famed urban beach of La Barceloneta. With a weekly Sunday sail away,  sailors will enjoy extra time in Barcelona and be able to take advantage of many different flight options. Virgin Voyages is partnering with Global Ports Holding, the world’s leading independent cruise port operator, to prepare for Valiant Lady’s arrival in early summer 2021. 

Open for bookings December 2019, 7 night sailings start May 2021 and feature an overnight in Ibiza 

The Med, home to some of the world’s best beach clubs, cultural experiences, restorative spas, yacht clubs and nightlife, is a perfect choice for Virgin Voyages. Valiant Lady will sail 3 different itineraries with truly breathtaking ports of call.

• Itinerary 1 includes the exotic delights of Barcelona, Ibiza, Monte Carlo, Marseille and Olbia
• Itinerary 2 includes a fantastic sampling of the Med featuring Barcelona, Ibiza, Toulon, Ajaccio, Marina di Carrara and Cagliari
• Itinerary 3 is a mostly Spanish immersion, stopping by Barcelona, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga and the British port of Gibraltar

Hearing Sailor and First Mates (travel partners) requests for later stays in ports, Virgin has delivered this on every itinerary. This means Sailors have the flexibility to make the most of their time in port and take in all that these destinations have to offer. Of particular note, every sailing features a Friday overnight stay in Ibiza, one of the most stunning and thrilling Balearic islands. Whether it’s a blissed out beach club, a bohemian market, a serene spa, watching the stunning sunsets, or a late night out, there is no comparable place that offers the variety and style of this ultimate destination. 

Introducing ‘Valiant Lady’

Virgin Voyages also revealed that the name ‘Valiant Lady’ was inspired by the latin word valere and from the French origin, vaillant, meaning “bold”, “strong”, and “courageous." While historically, the image of women only graced the bows of ships to bring protection to a vessel, ‘Valiant Lady’ embodies the idea that women design, captain, lead and champion change in the maritime industry.

The Scarlet Lady’s sister ship ‘Valiant Lady’ will continue Virgin Voyages’ ‘Scarlet Squad’ program aimed at recruiting, supporting and mentoring female shipboard talent, and growing opportunities to access leadership roles in onboard areas such as marine, technical and hotel management that statistically show low numbers of female leadership.

All Virgin Voyages ships have been designed by a leading creative collective who are the brains behind some of the world’s most loved boutique hotel brands. The collective includes names like Design Research Studio (Tom Dixon), Roman & Williams and Concrete Amsterdam who have all been inspired by the brand’s design concept- the Modern Romance of Sailing and Mission to Redefine the Experience of a Vacation at Sea. 

Future Sailors, First Mates and travel advisors are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com or following @virginvoyages on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, NOVEMBER 19, 2019 – Today, Crystal launched a new podcast series titled, Crystal Storytellers, becoming the first cruise line to offer an enrichment series to audiences beyond its ships. The weekly exploration with some of the world’s most intriguing individuals and experts in entertainment, travel, politics, adventure and more builds upon Crystal’s renowned Crystal Visions Lecture Series featured aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, bringing these enriching presentations to listeners around the world. The first episode from the inaugural season featuring Kathy Reichs, novelist and television producer of the hit series Bones, is currently available on the Crystal Insider blog, Spotify, Stitcher and TuneIn (available through the Alexa app). 

Each episode of Crystal Storytellers features an expert guest speaker from a 2019 Crystal voyage in conversation with the ship’s Cruise Director about their respective areas of expertise, as well as highlights of their Crystal voyage and anecdotes about their careers and personal interests. These exclusive interviews vary in topic and perspective depending on the guest and are designed to capture the uniquely informative and engaging style presented aboard Crystal ships and leave listeners educated and entertained.

“Crystal’s comprehensive onboard enrichment program has long drawn praise from travelers around the world. The Storytellers podcast is a wonderful opportunity to bring the intriguing dialogue and perspectives presented on board to guests wherever they are in the world,” said Keith Cox, Crystal’s vice president of entertainment. “The podcast delivers innovative entertainment and education for listeners to further expand their interests, passions and general knowledge of the world.”

Every week listeners can expect to hear a new intimate conversational interview recorded aboard Crystal ships as they explore some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.

Featured in season one, guest speakers on Crystal Storytellers include:

Kathy Reichs: Novelist and television producer of the hit series, Bones;
Bruce McGill: American actor known for his memorable roles in both film and television including National Lampoon’s Animal House;
General Anthony Zinni: Retired United States Marine Corps Four Star General, former Commander in Chief for the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and former special envoy to Israel and the Palestinian Authority;
Melissa Manchester: Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress;
Michelle Lee: Performer, philanthropist, award winning actress, singer, director and producer;
Scott Kelly: Former military fighter and test pilot, engineer, retired astronaut, former commander of the International Space Station and retired U.S. Navy captain;
Ken Walsh: Notable journalist, author and historian;
Sir Michael Burton: Former member of the British Diplomatic Service;
Leslie Morgan Steiner: New York Times best-selling author, columnist for The Washington Post, and renowned speaker on work/family balance;
Kevin McCollum: Tony Award-winning theater producer and partner to Crystal Cruise’s Crystal on Broadway programming;
Rob Caskie: Legendary storyteller specializing in South African history and early Arctic and Antarctic exploration.
​
New episodes of the podcast are available every Tuesday starting today through January 28, 2020. Crystal Storytellers will expand to other major podcast platforms within the coming weeks including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, iHeartRadio, Castbox, Castro, Overcast, Pocket Cast and Podchaser. To learn more about upcoming speakers on Crystal, or to book a voyage, please visit https://www.crystalcruises.com/.